Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) Executive Director and Negros Oriental PRDP Focal Person John Jalandoni was invited to co-facilitate and to give a short Introductory Presentation during the Children’s Legal Bureau, (CLB) Inc. The goals of the CLB is for communities to protect children and their rights, for private sectors to mainstream and enforce child protection in their policies and practices for a safer environment for children and for government institutions and local government institutions and local units enforce restorative justice and uphold children’s right.
NOCCI Partners with Children’s Legal Bureau to Champion Child Protection
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), represented by its Executive Director and Negros Oriental PRDP Focal Person John Jalandoni, took a significant step in advocating for child protection. Jalandoni was invited to co-facilitate and deliver an introductory presentation during a forum organized by the Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB), Inc.
The event focused on fostering collaborative efforts between private sectors, government institutions, and local communities to ensure the protection of children’s rights and the establishment of a safer, more just environment for the youth.
Collaborative Advocacy for Children’s Rights
The Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and protecting children’s rights across communities. The organization seeks to:
- Empower communities to safeguard children and their rights.
- Encourage private sectors to integrate child protection into their policies and business practices.
- Urge government institutions and local government units to uphold restorative justice and enforce the legal framework supporting children’s rights.
During the forum, Jalandoni emphasized the crucial role of multi-sectoral collaboration in achieving these goals.
“Protecting children is not only a moral obligation but also a societal responsibility. Businesses, government agencies, and communities must work together to create an environment where every child feels safe and valued,” he stated.
NOCCI’s Commitment to Social Responsibility
NOCCI’s participation in the forum highlights its dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Beyond its role in economic development, NOCCI has been actively involved in programs that address pressing social issues, including education, community empowerment, and now, child protection.
Jalandoni’s presentation underscored the importance of integrating child protection measures into corporate policies and operations. He encouraged private sector leaders to adopt practices that not only comply with legal requirements but also actively promote the well-being of children in their areas of influence.
“Businesses have a unique platform to advocate for change. By embedding child protection principles into our organizational cultures, we can set an example and inspire others to do the same,” Jalandoni added.
Key Takeaways from the Forum
The CLB forum brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss strategies for enhancing child protection. Highlights of the discussions included:
- Community Empowerment
Participants explored ways to engage communities in safeguarding children’s rights. This included awareness campaigns, community watch programs, and child-friendly initiatives. - Policy Integration in Private Sectors
The private sector was urged to develop child-focused CSR programs and ensure their operations uphold children’s rights. For example, businesses can establish strict anti-child labor policies, provide scholarships, and support local child welfare organizations. - Restorative Justice in Government Initiatives
Representatives from local government units discussed the importance of restorative justice—a process that emphasizes rehabilitation and reconciliation over punitive measures for young offenders. - Inter-Sectoral Collaboration
The forum stressed the need for stronger partnerships between businesses, NGOs, and government bodies to ensure the holistic implementation of child protection policies.
NOCCI’s Role Moving Forward
Following the event, NOCCI committed to furthering its advocacy for child protection. Key initiatives planned include:
- Workshops and Trainings: Organizing sessions for business leaders to educate them on incorporating child protection practices into their operations.
- Community Outreach: Partnering with local communities to raise awareness about children’s rights and how to report abuse or exploitation.
- Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with government agencies to strengthen policies and programs that promote the welfare of children in Negros Oriental.
Jalandoni also announced NOCCI’s intent to create a working group that would focus on child protection and ensure sustained efforts in this area.
The Importance of Restorative Justice
One of the forum’s pivotal topics was the enforcement of restorative justice by government institutions and local government units. This approach prioritizes the rehabilitation of young offenders, giving them an opportunity to reintegrate into society as productive members.
Jalandoni praised this focus, stating:
“Restorative justice is vital in shaping a future where children are given second chances. It recognizes that they are not just offenders but also victims of systemic challenges that need to be addressed.”
The forum emphasized the need for local governments to provide resources for restorative justice programs, including training for law enforcement and social workers.
A Unified Call to Action
The event concluded with a unified call for action from all participants. NOCCI, CLB, and government representatives pledged to continue working together to uphold children’s rights and foster a safe, nurturing environment for the youth.
Jalandoni expressed his gratitude to CLB for organizing the forum and for inviting NOCCI to be part of the dialogue:
“We are honored to contribute to this noble cause. NOCCI will remain a steadfast partner in ensuring that every child in Negros Oriental has the opportunity to live a life of dignity, free from harm and full of promise.
The partnership between NOCCI and the Children’s Legal Bureau marks an important milestone in advancing child protection efforts in Negros Oriental. By uniting the private and public sectors with local communities, the initiative sets a strong foundation for long-term impact.
Through sustained collaboration and action, NOCCI and its partners aim to create a province where children’s rights are upheld, and their futures are secure. This event serves as a reminder that protecting the most vulnerable among us is not just a responsibility—it’s a shared mission.
