Advisers

Irene D. Gaviola, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Children are among the most at-risk members of society and must be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In the Philippines, legal provisions such as the Philippine Constitution, Presidential Decree No. 603, and Republic Act No. 7610 aim to uphold and defend the rights of children. Despite these laws, child abuse remains a pressing issue, particularly in local communities where timely responses are essential. The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) plays a vital role in addressing these concerns, yet its effectiveness is largely influenced by the level of training, knowledge, and preparedness of its members. This study aimed to evaluate the role of the Barangay Council Training Program in addressing child protection cases in Barangay San Agustin, Novaliches, Quezon City. It explored how the training program enhanced participants’ knowledge, skills, and effective use of available resources, while also identifying the challenges faced by BCPC members. A mixed-method research design was used, combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure a well-rounded analysis. The respondents consisted of five (5) Barangay Women’s Desk Officers, five (5) Women and Children Protection Desk Officers, and forty (40) parents or guardians, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved survey questionnaires and in-depth interviews, with prior approval from relevant authorities and assurance of confidentiality throughout the process. The study revealed that the majority of participants were women aged 34 to 41 who had lived or worked in Barangay San Agustin for over 11 years. Training programs significantly enhanced their knowledge (mean = 3.756), skills and proficiency (mean = 3.680), and access to resources (mean = 3.624). However, 92% of respondents reported that the lack of follow-up support after training hindered sustained progress. In response, the study recommends establishing mentorship programs, offering regular refresher courses, and strengthening partnerships among the BCPC, NGOs, and local stakeholders to ensure ongoing improvement in child protection efforts. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Barangay Council training program in responding to child protection cases in Barangay San Agustin, Novaliches, Quezon City. Using a mixed-method approach, it examined how training influenced the knowledge, skills, and resource use of BCPC members, while also identifying key challenges in implementation. The results showed that the training significantly improved acquired knowledge (mean = 3.756), proficiency and skills (mean = 3.680), and access to resources (mean = 3.624). Despite these positive outcomes, 92% of the respondents reported a lack of follow-up support after training, highlighting a critical weakness in the program’s sustainability. The findings suggest that while the training programs contribute positively to the capacity of BCPC members, their effectiveness is hindered by limited post-training support. To address this, the study recommends the implementation of mentorship initiatives, periodic refresher courses, and stronger coordination between BCPC, NGOs, and other community partners. These enhancements will help ensure a more consistent and effective response to child protection cases at the barangay level.

Keywords

barangay council, child protection, child abuse response, training program, refresher training, follow-up support