Addressing about more than 200 young people from all of the municipalities of Northern Samar, DSWD Regional Director, Restituto Macuto, has this to say in part – “As members of the PAG-ASA YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES or PYAP, you are already equipped with knowledge and skills of a wide variety of concerns as climate change and drug abuse. That way, this gathering will all the more enhance what you already have.
The PYAP has become instrumental in empowering you, young people, and you have been taking local actions to address social ills confronting your respective communities. This youth camp will be an avenue to test your leadership skills and team – building capabilities.”

Also, social worker, Agnes Ergina- Bugal of the DSWD’s Regional Juvenile Justice Welfare Council, will talk on the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act or Republic Act 9344, as amended by Republic Act 10630 during this gathering of young leaders. It is the intention of the agency to tap the PYAP members to be advocates of said law. Said Bugal, we need the support of all sectors for its full implementation.

The DSWD maintains its position not to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 years old to nine. One of its principal reasons is that doing so will increase the vulnerability of children to exploitation of adults. Besides, criminalizing children encourages re – offending and increasingly violent offending which often extends to adulthood, Director Macuto pointed out. The Provincial Youth Camp was held recently in Camp Sumuroy, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Hence, no to lowering of the minimum age of criminal responsibility ! Let us help that the bill will not be enacted into law ! # #DSWDMayMalasakit