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Baguio Central University

"Soaring High Towards Excellence"

Strengthening Policy Implementation for Child Welfare: BCU and Academic Partners Align with SDG 2030

by Dr. Michael Tomas Sebullen

Participants in the Policy Implementation Review from different Provinces of Cordillera Administrative Region and sectors posed with posterity

On October 10, 2024, key government agencies and academic institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region gathered at the Azalea Hotel and Residences in Baguio City for the Program Implementation Review. This landmark event brought together participants from various sectors to evaluate and improve policies related to child protection, support, and custody. With a shared focus on advancing child welfare, attendees discussed challenges and shared best practices for the effective implementation of child protection initiatives.

Among the notable participants was Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Director for Research at Baguio Central University (BCU). He was joined by representatives from other leading academic institutions, including Saint Louis University (SLU), University of the Philippines (UP), Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC), and Kings College of the Philippines (KCP). Together, they reaffirmed the academic community’s commitment to aligning research efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030, specifically those related to child welfare.

Dr. Michael T. Sebullen, Director for Research at Baguio Central University, gave his remarks on the role of research in achieving the joint advocacy at the same time as the answer to the call of SDG 2030.

The morning session opened with presentations from provincial offices. Ms. Felisa A. Singlan, SWO IV and Officer In-Charge of the Regional Alternative Care Coordination Office (RACCO-CAR), shared insights into RACCO’s 2024 accomplishments. She highlighted the agency’s efforts in promoting alternative child care services and adoption processes in provinces such as Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga. Her presentation underscored both the progress and the challenges faced by local governments in implementing child welfare policies.

Academic representatives, particularly from BCU, stressed the importance of research-based solutions to address these challenges. Dr. Sebullen remarked, “Collaborating with government agencies allows academic institutions like BCU to contribute to policy-making and program evaluation by providing evidence-based research, ensuring that our actions align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030.” This statement reinforced the idea that universities play a crucial role in shaping child protection policies by offering research and expertise.

Ms. Felisa A. Singlan, SWO IV and Officer In-Charge of the Regional Alternative Care Coordination Office (RACCO-CAR), delivered the message of USec Janella Ejercito who underscores the importance of collaboration among other institution to raise awareness and to urge partners to have a shared goal.

The keynote address by Undersecretary Janella Ejercito of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) further emphasized the need for a collaborative approach. She called on both public and private sectors to strengthen their child protection measures and encouraged academic institutions to integrate their research and community outreach programs into broader national and global goals.

In the afternoon session, the focus shifted to the complexities of child support and custody. A knowledge-sharing session led by Atty. Jomari “Joi” Casem-Tangan, Attorney II at RACCO-CAR, provided legal perspectives on child custody arrangements. Atty. Casem-Tangan discussed the legal framework surrounding child custody and the social services required to support children in various care arrangements. His presentation emphasized the importance of understanding legal procedures while ensuring that children’s well-being remains the top priority.

BCU, once again represented by Dr. Sebullen, played a key role in the discussions. He highlighted the need for universities to collaborate closely with legal experts and social workers in developing strategies informed by research to address the evolving needs of children in custody or alternative care. This approach, he said, ensures that policies are not only legally sound but also responsive to real-world challenges. The event fostered an environment of collaboration, with participants from government agencies and academia exchanging ideas on how to improve child support and custody policies. The discussions underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that policies remain relevant and effective in protecting the welfare of children.

As the Program Implementation Review concluded, all sectors reaffirmed their commitment to achieving SDG 2030. Academic institutions, particularly BCU, along with its partners, pledged to continue focusing on research that informs policy and fosters community engagement. This collaboration aims to ensure that solutions developed for child welfare are both practical and sustainable.

The event was a significant step forward in strengthening partnerships between government agencies and academic institutions in the Cordillera region. It showcased the vital role research and academic expertise play in shaping the future of child protection policies, ultimately benefiting the country’s most vulnerable children most specially that the region is facing with various of cases like child abuse, teenage pregnancy, HIV cases. Through initiatives like this, the partnership between the public and academic sectors continues to grow, ensuring that research and policy intersect for the betterment of child welfare.