DAVAO CITY, March 6, 2009 –The Archdiocesan Social Action Center (ASAC) of Davao vowed to uphold the rights of the children against sexual abuse through information campaign and advocacy program.

ASAC Social Worker Mary Ann Betonio said that they are taking priority on the implementation of programs that will address sexual abuse problems including the information campaign on laws against child abuse and exploitation.

Betonio added that in terms of law they are focusing on making the parents, guardians and the community fully understands about R.A 7610 also known as the “Special Protection against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination, and Other Purposes.”

“We need to bring this law to the information of the people because it puts across the promotion of children’s rights against any form of abuse, neglect, cruelty and discrimination,” she said, adding:

“ASAC will continue its efforts to promote children’s rights through information and awareness drives. In our simple way, we can save children from being abused.”

ASAC is continuously implementing the Sagop Kinabuhi Program (SKP) parts of which are the awareness seminars in schools around Babak in the Island Garden City of Samal and Mandug here.

“Aside from that, ASAC also conducts fora in the barangay level with speakers from the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the City Prosecutor’s Office,” added Betonio.

The fora at the barangay level were organized for parents and barangay officials to be aware and be educated of the rights of their children.

“We hope that people will give attention to this attempt and help in upholding these rights,” she said. (Mark S. Ventura)