NARRATIVE REPORT ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE 6TH JUVENILE JUSTICE

AND WELFARE CONCIOUSNESS WEEK

The Department of Education enjoined all schools to participate in the observance of the

6th Juvenile Justice and Consciousness Week with the theme, “Mapagkalingang Hustisya:Ugaliin

at Pagtibayin.” The said observance from November 19-25, 2017 supports the activities led by

the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC).

According to DepEd Undersecretary Atty. Alberto Muyot, the theme highlights the

concept of restorative justice. He further explained that restorative justice refers to the principle

of resolving conflicts with the maximum involvement of the offender, offended and the

community. Additionally, it also aims to achieve “reparation for the victim;” “reconciliation of

the offender that he/she can be integrated into society;” and “enhancement of public safety by

activating the offender, the victim and the community in prevention strategies.”

In line with this, Santo Tomas National High School actively participated in the

observance of the JJWC through a film showing and symposium. The program took part last

November 24, 2017. It started with a prayer led by assigned students and followed immediately

with the singing of the national anthem. The next part of the program was the giving of welcome

message from the Head teacher III of the Mathematics department, Rosie A. Manalo. She also

presented the participants, facilitators and resource speakers for the symposium. After the

presentation, the participants were asked to watch the film titled “BIBOY”. The short film

clearly showed the process of diversion and initial contact for Children in Conflict with the Law

(CICL). After the show, students were encouraged to make a reaction on the film. These

reactions were shared and discussed orally by the participants as well as the speakers. The
discussions were facilitated by the Teacher 2 of the Senior High School Department, Donita-Jane

B. Canceran, a class adviser.

The latter part of the program was the discussion made by the resource speakers who are

members of PNP-Sto. Tomas as well heads from the said school. The first speaker for the

plenary session was the Chief of the Women and Children Desk, PO3 Novelyn M. Viernes who

talked about what RA 9344 is or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act. The second speaker for the

plenary session was a 3rd year Law student, a Non-Uniformed Personnel from PNP-Santo Tomas

who works as a Crime Registrar. Mr. Jojo A. Tarun talked about Restorative Justice Approaches

and Strategies. The last speaker is the Head Teacher II of the TLE department, Tonison A.

Talaue, also a Law graduate. He focused on the discussion of the DepEd Guidelines and

Procedures in the Management of Children-at-Risk (CAR) and Children in Conflict with the Law

(CICL). Students were encouraged to participate by asking questions or concerns regarding CAR

and CICL. Questions and concerns were duly attended to and explained by the resource speakers.

At the end of the program, the facilitator reiterated the important points discussed by the

resource speakers. Flyers about Restorative Justice Approaches and Strategies were also given to

the participants. Overall, the program was a success because of the cooperation and unity

displayed by the organizers and the participants.