The City Information Service Delivery Network (ISDN) and the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC), in partnership with UNICEF and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region 10, successfully conducted the Workshop on the Crafting of the City’s Referral Mechanism for Children and Adolescent Health and Protection held on July 22–24, 2024. The three-day activity aimed to develop a comprehensive and functional referral system that ensures timely and coordinated delivery of health, protection, and welfare services for children and adolescents in the city. This collaborative effort reflects the shared commitment of local agencies, organizations, and advocates to strengthen child protection systems and uphold the rights and dignity of every young person.
Dr. Jean T. Loquillano, Director for the Center of Human Rights Excellence of the City College of Cagayan de Oro, served as one of the resource speakers and facilitators during the workshop. Drawing from her extensive experience in human rights education and child advocacy, Dr. Loquillano discussed the importance of institutionalizing rights-based approaches and establishing effective inter-agency coordination. Her sessions emphasized that a sustainable referral mechanism must be grounded on human rights principles, child sensitivity, and inclusive governance to ensure equitable access to care and protection services.
The workshop employed a participatory and practical learning approach that involved case mapping, system flow analysis, and simulation exercises. Representatives from local government offices, barangay councils, social welfare and health units, schools, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations actively participated in the activity. This multi-sectoral collaboration highlighted the collective effort to protect children and adolescents from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to promote their holistic development through proactive community engagement.
Moreover, the initiative directly supports the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ensuring access to quality health and psychosocial services; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by fostering safe and inclusive learning environments; SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by integrating gender-sensitive strategies in child protection; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting equitable access to welfare programs; and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by enhancing local governance and justice mechanisms responsive to children’s rights.
The workshop concluded with the initial drafting of the City’s Child and Adolescent Referral Flow and Monitoring Framework, which will serve as a blueprint for future program implementation and policy integration. This output symbolizes a united step forward toward creating a child-friendly and SDG-aligned governance system that ensures every child is safe, healthy, and empowered. The event reaffirmed the city’s steadfast commitment to advancing child rights and human rights education through participatory governance, inter-agency collaboration, and sustainable community development.