BORONGAN, Eastern Samar - In line with Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s 8 by 08 flagship program to put the child first through Education for All and develop their potentials, promote and protect their rights, the province of Eastern Samar is establishing a Child Protection Unit (CPU).
A one-top shop model, the CPU is designed to cater to the needs of abused children in different municipalities of the province. The project is in response as well to existing national laws, particularly Republic Act 7610 which embraces Child Protection laws.
PLAN Philippines-Eastern Samar Chapter focal person on child protection Rey Envidiado disclosed in an interview that the Child Protection Unit which will be housed in a separate building at the Provincial Hospital compound. It will be manned by a center head from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PPDO), a doctor and a social worker from the Provincial Hospital, and a police officer from the Provincial Headquarters.
These personnel were already trained at the Philippine General Hospital, Manila aside from undergoing three series of trainings on child protection sponsored by PLAN Philippines.
The CPU building, now on its completion phase, will be equipped with basic materials and amenities such as video documentation, examination room, and office equipment and playroom donated by PLAN Phils.
Envidiado further said that it is on the CPU that an abused child will undergo preliminary interview and medical examination before he or she can be referred to the crisis center at the PSWDO. This is to ensure that an abused child will be totally assisted, he added.
The CPU project is a joint undertaking of the Province of Eastern Samar, UNICEF, and PLAN Philippines. Labor cost amounting to P250,000 is the province’s counterpart, construction materials amounting to P500,000 pesos is shouldered by UNICEF while PLAN Philippines borne on the equipment and training cost amounting to P1.2 million.
