“We at the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) are one with the Philippine Commission on Women in highlighting women’s participation in battling the pandemic”, said Executive Director Atty. Tricia Clare A. Oco as the agency participated in the celebration of this year’s National Women’s Month Celebration with the theme “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”.
In celebration of Filipino women’s extraordinary roles in the society amidst the pandemic, JJWC proudly presented and featured stories of women on the agency’s Facebook page.
The JJWC paid tribute to one of the social workers of the National Training School for Boys’ (NTSB), Ms. Ellen C. Belmonte, for her commitment and inspiration as she performed her duties in the face of the pandemic.
“Sinubok man ng COVID-19 ang aming commitment sa pagtupad ng aming mga sinumpaang tungkulin, ito rin ang nagbigay daan upang matutunan namin kung paano mas maging matatag, matapang, at malakas para malampasan namin ang lahat ng mga hamong dulot ng pandemya at patuloy kaming makapagbigay ng serbisyo sa mga batang mas higit na nangangailangan ng aming atensyon at kalinga.” – Ms. Ellen Belmonte
JJWC also took pride in one of its very own Juanas, Ms. Marieta Jandayan of the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee – Caraga who shared her experiences on how she is dealing with the challenges of the pandemic and adjusting to the new normal.
“As we are experiencing the new normal situation due to COVID-19 Pandemic, we women with disability are still moving forward, not backward… Life must go on so that we can continue to serve our constituents.” – Ms. Marieta Jandayan
Another feature was on the good practice of the Regional Trial Court – 69 (Taguig) in the implementation of Court Diversion as led by its very own Juana and former Acting Presiding Judge, Judge Elisa Sarmiento – Flores on the agency’s Facebook page.
“To my fellow family court judges, I just want to let you know that Diversion is a beautiful program not only for the children and victims but also for the Court. We all know that we dispense justice but just the same, we have the responsibility to also help shape children’s lives.” – Judge Elisa Flores
JJWC also put the spotlight on the Haven for Girls in Region III and shared their winning piece to the 9th JJWeek Sabayang Pagbigkas Competition. “Bangon Kabataan” won Second Place in the nationwide competition. In this piece, the girls highlighted their worries and reflections in the time of pandemic. They emphasized on their hopes and inspiration.
Furthermore, JJWC featured Kazha Hope Molina’s entry to the 9th JJWeek Photo Essay Contest. “Resilience Amidst Pandemic” won the audience choice award and placed third in the said contest.
JJWC issued a memorandum to provide information and a general guide to all its officials and employees for the 2021 National Women’s Month Celebration.
Additionally, JJWC employees also took part in the #PurpleMondays initiative by wearing purple on all the Mondays of March to signify support for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
To cap off the celebration, JJWC conducted a webinar on March 29, 2021, entitled COVID-19 and Gender which aimed to engage the JJWC employees in a discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on Gender Roles. The topics of the webinar were discussed by Ms. Reina P. Olivar, a Gender and Development Specialist. Alongside the activity, the JJWC Gender and Development Plan and Budget for FY 2021 was also presented.
#WomenMakeChange
“JJWC commits to strengthening its efforts to address gender issues and implement Gender Mainstreaming in the agency. We, in JJWC, will continuously make change work for women”, Atty. Oco emphasized.
