A decisive step toward strengthening child protection systems took center stage on March 26, as the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cavite, formally launched the Revised Protocol for the Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination (Cane + D) under the banner “Kabitenyong Kumikilos Para sa Karapatang Kabataan.”

Held at the New Provincial Government Center, the initiative signaled more than a ceremonial rollout – it underscored a firm, province-wide commitment to place children, particularly the most vulnerable, at the heart of governance.

Organized in collaboration with the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) through the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, the launch of the revised protocol sharpens the province’s response framework – one that listens with intent, protects with urgency, and responds with both compassion and precision.

In her welcome address, 8th District Board Member Jasmin Angelli Maligaya-Bautista emphasized the power of collective action, acknowledging the presence of key stakeholders and partners. She expressed confidence that the initiative would deepen collaboration and reinforce shared responsibility in building a safer and more protective environment for every child in Cavite.

Also present during the event was 1st District Board Member Romel R. Enriquez, Chairperson of the Committee on Social Services, Family, Women, Children and Elderly, alongside provincial government agencies, city and municipal mayors and their representatives, as well as department heads and personnel of the Provincial Government of Cavite – demonstrating a unified, whole-of-government approach to child protection.

Delivering the opening message, Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez of the Department of Justice (DOJ), stressed that meaningful change is realized at the community level—through the convergence of local government units, national agencies, and civil society. With the leadership of Governor Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” D. Remulla and the support of local chief executives, he noted that Cavite is taking a significant step closer to ensuring that every child is understood, protected, and given the opportunity to heal and thrive beyond trauma.

Further reinforcing this direction, DOJ Secretary Fredderick A. Vida described the revised protocol as a product of robust inter-agency collaboration. It responds to evolving challenges, including emerging forms of exploitation, by integrating trauma-informed and child-sensitive approaches, strengthening confidentiality safeguards, enhancing multi-disciplinary coordination, and preventing retraumatization throughout the intervention process.

In a firm commitment, Governor Abeng Remulla assured stakeholders that the initiative would move beyond policy into sustained action. “This program will be applied and taken care of here in our province,” he affirmed, emphasizing the provincial government’s resolve to translate frameworks into tangible protection for children.

Adding depth to the province’s commitment, Vice Governor Ramon Vicente H. Bautista, underscored that the undertaking goes beyond formalities. He described the signing not merely as a procedural step, but as a covenant for the most valuable members of society. He further emphasized that the gathering was not driven by obligation, but by duty to uphold children’s rights – assuring that as long as leaders carry this mandate, no child in Cavite will ever have to face adversity alone.

The event’s highlight was the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, led by the Governor, members of the Provincial Board, and city/municipal Local Chief Executives – symbolizing a unified and institutionalized approach to implementing the revised protocol across Cavite.

In closing, Undersecretary Monina Josefina H. Romualdez of the Department of Social Welfare and Development reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the welfare and future of every Filipino child, pledging continued partnership in advancing child protection efforts.

The occasion echoed a firm commitment: in Cavite, protecting children is a shared priority, where every voice counts and every system moves to respond and defend. — OPIO