Every family should be built on a foundation of trust, a safe haven where children can grow up loved and secured. But what happens when this foundation crumbles, and when the guardian meant to protect becomes the abuser?
Bianca* (not her real name), 12 years old, grew up close to her father in Loon, Bohol. Her mother was working as a childcare provider in Tagbilaran City, so she rarely comes home. Because of this, Bianca often spent time with her father and her five siblings at home.
However, Bianca noticed her father's touches felt different for her. At first, she felt confused, frightened, and ashamed. Eventually, she realized that his father’s actions were wrong and later, found the courage to tell her mother everything.
“My mother told me, it was just your father's way of showing affection,” said Bianca.
This made her feel even more confused because her mother dismissed the issue. But deep inside, she knew that what happened was not right.
"I was crying and told her, Mom, that's not affection, I felt abused," Bianca recounted, in a slightly trembling voice.
She turned to her two older sisters for support, but she discovered that they had also experienced similar abuse from their father.
A widespread problem
Violence against children remains a significant issue in the Philippines. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child defines it as any form of physical or mental violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
In 2023, the government reported at least 17,600 cases of child abuse, primarily violating R.A. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination.
This alarming situation is further highlighted by the 2015 National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children: Philippines that 80% of Filipino children aged 13-24 have experienced violence. Among these, 17% of those aged 13-17 faced sexual violence, with 14% occurring in their own homes.
Child abuse cases in Loon, Bohol, remain a serious problem, according to by Marnelli Maquindang, Head of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) Office of Loon.
The data also reveals a troubling trend: these cases increase significantly during emergencies.
"Despite having a children's welfare code, we lack specific policies on children's rights and protection,” Maquindang explained.
A response to crisis
In 2017, the Philippine government enacted R.A. 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act to protect children's rights before, during, and after emergencies.
Despite Save the Children Philippines championing the law, securing resources to adopt and implement it remains a challenge among LGUs.
To help address this, Save the Children launched a localization program in Bohol with the Ranao Women & Children Resource Center, Inc. (RWCRC), empowering five municipalities—Bien Unido, Carlos P. Garcia, Candijay, Clarin, and Loon—to develop their own child protection policies.
Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children Philippines, said empowering local communities to develop their own child protection mechanisms ensures a more responsive and context-specific approach to protecting children's well-being.
"By strengthening local capacity, we are laying the groundwork for a more robust child protection framework that safeguards children throughout their lives, both during emergencies and everyday situations," Ali said.
The training for Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs) covered positive discipline, gender-sensitive approaches, and child rights advocacy, building a stronger local framework for child safety.
Additionally, young leaders in Bohol participated in extensive training sessions on effective advocacy, communication, gender mainstreaming, and leadership development, ensuring all voices are included in creating a safe environment for children.
This initiative has been met with positive feedback from participants, including Maquindang, who expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to develop their own child protection policy in a more sensitive and holistic approach.
"It has been a big help for us because previously, the impact on children was not being discussed or given attention. With this initiative of Save the Children, the youth in our area have also developed their morals because they were involved in drafting it," she said.
Path to Healing
Bianca and her siblings received support such as legal aid and financial assistance through coordinated efforts by the Barangay Child Protection Council and MSWD. Her father is now serving jail time for his actions.
“Thankfully, the barangay child protection council and the people in their community fought for them and found people who believed them,” Maquindang said.
Bianca’s experience had a profound impact on her life and has strained her relationship with her parents. "I was angry at my mother for not believing us," Bianca said.
She and her siblings are now in the custody of their grandmother.
“I hope to finish my studies. I want to become a police officer so that I can help my family,” she said.