“Maaari pa rin tayong tumayo at mabuhay nang may pag-asa. Hindi pa huli ang lahat,” said Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, giving hope for a bright future for child victims and children in conflict with the law (CICLs) as she led the launch of the Kids’ Day-Out in Court on February 17, 2023 at the Family Court, New Hall of Justice, Calamba City, Laguna.
Justice Singh assured the children that they are worthy of care and reaffirmed to them that the Judiciary is committed to protecting their rights and welfare. “Nandito kami kasi mahalaga kayo sa amin. Sana maramdaman niyo ang tunay na pagkalinga namin.”
A project of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) in partnership with the Governance in Justice: A Justice Sector Reform Programme (GOJUST), the initiative aims to help familiarize child victims and CICLs with the court setting to allay their fears or worries when attending court hearings. Its launch included an orientation and run-through of testifying in court and a tour of the
Family Court-Branch 8, and a portion for the children to showcase their talents.
A total of 28 children from the Women Crisis and Therapy Center, Second Chance Home, and Calamba Children Shelter of Hope attended the event.
Calamba City is one of the Justice Zones designated by the JSCC, along with Quezon City, Cebu City, Davao City, Angeles City, Bacolod City, Naga City, Balanga City, and Baguio City. The JSCC, composed of the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Interior and Local Government, was established to strengthen coordination and address concerns among agencies in the justice sector. (Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office)