At-Risk and Abused Students: Identifying, Managing and Reporting

On March 9, 2013, a Seminar on At-Risk and Abused Students: Identifying, Managing and Reporting was conducted at Bicol University Graduate School under the Lifelong Learning Program. Diane Klewitz and myself, Kathryn Tedford, were the instigators and facilitators in cooperation with Dr. Nora Licup and Dr. Flor Jenkins.  As Peace Corps volunteers servicing the community of Albay, Philippines, Diane and I wanted to gather together a group of experts who could speak to the needs of children at risk.  I presented the May 2012 Deped Order 40 which outlined the Policy and Guidelines on Protecting Children in School from Abuse, Violence, Exploitation, Discrimination, Bullying and Other Forms of Abuse.  This is a tall order for teachers who live and serve in their own communities.  However, it is a legal document and one that requires all of the stake holders to participate in developing a Code of Conduct for the school and as such the community.
The second speaker was PCI Delia Porcel Jacob, PWCPO, APPO, a distinguished officer and a person who has served the women and children of the Philippines in their fight to combat abuse.  She spoke about bullying, delinquent youth and youth offenders.
Following Officer Jacobs was Attorney Maria Teresa A. Mahiwo, Prosecutor in the Hall of Justice in Legazpi City and a representative of Dios Mabalos.  This presentation was sensational.  It was a review of current legislation and the workings of the judicial system.  Prosecutor Mahiwo explained the difficulties in prosecuting individuals when the witness is a minor who has an emotional attachment to the perpetrator. From Simon of Cyrene, Children's rehabilitation and Development Foundation, INC. we had two speakers.  The first, Ms. Sarah Jane Ballingasa, addressed Basic Fundamental Rights of a Child. The second resource speaker, Ms. Mary Christine Cesara Daep, a social worker, who addressed the reality of children in conflict and the role that Dios Mabalos and Simon of Cyrene play in assisting children at risk.
Mediatrix V. Villanuueva, Board Chair for Simon of Cyrene and a Board Member at Dios Mabalos spoke of the Disater Response Role of Dios Mabalos, CARES for Children, Healing Program, Herbal Medicines and the plan to start school gardens.
Peace Corps volunteer Kathryn Riter explained the role of the Children Youth and Families Sector of the Peace Corps in the Legazpi Community.  She spoke about the YMCA and Project HOPE. Laurenia Mangum, a Peace Corps volunteer assigned to the DSWD Complex/RSCC (Reception Study Center for Children) and haven for women and girls, spoke of her role in advocating for children and their rights. She demonstrated the link between the regional government center for children and girls in Region 5, Bicol and the Department of Social Welfare as mandated by the Republic Act.
The question and answer session was lively and informative,  The seminar lasted from 8:30 until 1:15 with no break.  Snacks were served while the speakers continued to address the audience of students and interested parties. It was an amazing experience for all who attended.
Kathryn