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1st National and Regional Child Protection Working Group Online Meeting 25 March 2020 / 1:00PM

The meeting aims at discussing the following agenda to serve as a reference in planning CPWG

next steps in response to the child protection concerns during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Agenda:

a. Mapping of the current Situation – CWC to present the consolidated child-related concerns

b. NCPWG Sharing of Efforts / response to COVID – mapping of existing strategies

c. UNICEF to share the Technical Note on the Protection of Children during the Coronavirus

Pandemic

1. CWC presented a consolidated matrix of initiatives and risks/ issues and concerns and a

matrix of updates provided by the Regional Child Protection Working Groups Focal Persons.

CWC

Children in centers and institutions –challenges in referring children in need of medical

services, non-availability of basic protection supplies

Children with Disabilities - availability of protection supplies, need for further assistance

aside from food

Children seeking medical services - protection protocols observed by hospitals/clinics to

ensure that they are not infected with the virus while seeking for medical attention

Children at home - those in cramp households, a one- room affair and their risk to any

form of sexual abuse, parents’ capacity to provide for their needs

Curfew - LGUs imposing curfew rules following the ECQ. Treatment to children who are

caught in curfew hours, sanctions

Adolescent Health - Adolescent sexual and reproductive health shall still be prioritized as

a basic service to be provided by frontline service providers during this enhanced

community quarantine. e.g ART for PLHIVs

RC/ SCWC Updates

Areas of Concern Discussion Action Points/ Recommendation

Policy LGUs are able to issue EO/ Guidelines related to COVID19. Internal protocols are also put in place during the pandemic.

Noted.

Advocacy

Risks Communications via social media platforms is the most common strategy to inform. This includes posting of animated / child-friendly materials by Region II, different advisories including Region VI’s reiteration to LGUs to use protocol to reach out to street children, establishment of temporary holding areas to curfew violators and proper handling of CAR/CICL during COVID19 operations.

Development of infographics on the reach out protocol on street children and Children-at-risk– as existing infographic of the comprehensive program do not have child-friendly design

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Region II to share the animated advocacy materials to be use as reference in developing other materials

Health / Nutrition Establishment of hotlines and community kitchen. The issues and concerns raised are as follows:

Way to address discrimination PUM/PUI children and their family – and children of health care providers – Dr. Calibo shared that health workers are given reminders to practice non-discrimination against the PUI/PUM or even the confirmed COVID cases.

There is perceived negativity in disclosing if they have travel history or have been exposed to COVID patients, they withhold the info to health workers. Parents are advised to disclose correct information to properly manage the child’s condition.

Hospitals practice the same protocol in handling/dealing with children especially for strict infections and infection prevention and control. The same quality of care is afforded to adult and children.

Suspension of immunization putting other children at risk for other diseases - DOH shared that there is no statement that immunization and other services are suspended, there is a lull since people are not allowed to go out due to the ECQ. Nobody has the means to access the routine services. NNC issued its advisory on recommendations on nutrition for COVID. The hard commodities are available in the DOH warehouse, the LGUs can access these for their constituents.

Limited access to supplies and the nutritional needs of children – it was affirmed by Dr. Calibo that

DOH to work on a draft memo for the continuity of services including primary care – services like vaccines, medicines for hypertensive/ diabetic will still be continued. It is recommended that health workers in the LGU can exhaust measures to do house to house delivery of services.

Rationing of wet / dry foods can be given to poor communities to augment to the nutritional needs of children

Treatment hubs can actually bring ARTs to their clients. For undisclosed cases, there can be an arranged time to meet with the health workers for the delivery of ART.

DOH to work on the mechanisms of coordination with the LGUs to deliver services

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community-based feeding is a challenge given the ECQ.

Adolescent Health - Access of PLHIV to ART– to ensure that retroviral drugs are readily available during the enhanced community quarantine period / curfew.

Children resists receiving assistance because of their fear to be disclosed/ identified as PLHIVs. This also include PLHIV children – months old to 11 years old that needs to access health services. Given the limited mobility due to the ECQ, parents are also concerned on how to address such needs. CWC is currently practicing individual referrals to the DSWD.

Coordination Inter-Agency meetings and updating are conducted using online platforms such as group chats and emails. The same modality is used to support COVID-related operations.

Noted.

Protection Region VI reported initiatives in conducting webinar for child protection concerns and monitoring of CP issues during curfew operations. Regions II and Caraga reported the difficulty in accessing VAWC desks and other services for possible cases of abuse. RCPWGs also identified the need to strengthen child protection measures at home to track VAC, OSEC and online recruitment of children by armed groups

DSWD PMB to share the helplines used by the IACACP for reporting OSEC. DSWD PMB to also verify issues related to VAWC desk access in Region II and CARAGA, updates will be provided to the NPCWG.

Ms. Alvarado to share a

copy of the report re online recruitment of children for UNICEF and CWC verification.

Activation of the CWC and Bantay Bata 163 hotline; will this be operational to receive reports abuse and other incidents related to COVID. CWC has initially coordinated with the Bantay Bata to inform about the COVID-related response through the use of the hotline. Bantay Bata responded that although they are currently on a skeletal force scheme, all

CWC follow-up coordination with Bantay Bata

UNICEF to share progress on their partnership with Red Cross

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calls / reports can be recorded. We can inform the public that they can utilize the hotline 163 as one of the child helplines they can call. UNICEF shared that another platform is being worked on with the Red Cross specific to MHPSS hotlines for public use.

Curfew Majority of the regions are practicing close coordination with LGUs/Provinces regarding the implementation of their respective curfew hours. Citing the Muntinlupa City ordinance on curfew, the group raised possible violations on the rights of children who fail to adhere to current measures of local government. Before the ECQ, CWC wrote the DILG requesting them to issue a memo circular on curfew – reach out to children – per update, the memo is being drafted. CWC requested to comment on the draft prior to the signing of the SILG. CWC would like to reiterate the harmonization and strict implementation the existing protocols instead of developing a new one. UNICEF recommends coordination with JJWC on this to ensure that we invoke the same guidelines. DSWD Region VI was able to issue a reiteration on this. The DILG memo will support the regional directive.

CWC to coordinate with the DILG on the status of the draft memo circular and with JJWC ‘for the CAR/ CICL concerns

Child Participation Exercising participation/ mobilization of children in awareness raising and in other initiatives being carried out for the pandemic.

Noted.

Education / School

Regions raised concerns of children on school requirements and how the DepEd will continuously provide guidance to their students as well as their monitor measures. DepEd released guidelines for the remainder of the SY 2019-2020. For areas who are able to conduct final examination, they recommended staggered final exams. For those that are not able to complete the final exams, they provided computation of grades of students to be utilized by schools.

Noted.

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Monitoring students’ progress is done through the Division and District offices of DepEd.

On possible discrimination/ isolation or bullying of those children who are identified with patients who were tested positive, DepEd informed that they follow privacy protocols same with the DOH. DepEd to define ways to address possible bullying of children.

Others Regulation of donations – donors directly distribute in streets; cases of street families and/with children

Noted.

2. NCPWG Updates

Agency / Organization

Updates / Discussion Action Points

DSWD DRMB CWC reported DSWD DROMIC Report shared by the DRMB. As of March 24, 71,409 Family Food Packs (FFP) were delivered by the DSWD. A total of 26.87M relief assistance provided by the department while a bigger sum of 35.8M is provided by the LGUs. The Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) is on blue alert status and maintains its Operations Center (OpCen) 24/7 to closely monitor and coordinate with National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) and DSWD Field Offices for significant updates on response to COVID-19. DSWD also provides duty personnel at the NDRRMC Operations Center. Aside from FFP, 10 family tents to NCR hospitals were provided by the DSWD to augment capacity. DSWD-NRLMB continuously coordinates with NDRRMC through OCD on the request for provision of 10,000 bags of NFA rice for ongoing repacking of FFPs at the DSWD National Resource Operations Center (NROC). DSWD-FO NCR has activated its Quick Response Teams who monitor emergencies using online and offline platforms.

Noted. Report to be shared via email.

DOH Provided a Situational Report on COVID as of 24 March Update. NCR has the highest registry of COVID Cases. In Metro Manila – Quezon City

Social Media Cards – to come up with materials

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and San Juan has most number of cases. Other DOH initiatives are as follows:

a. Repatriation of Filipinos overseas including

children b. Regular updating thru press briefing / social

media c. Formation of the IATF – EID MHPSS Plan and Initiatives a. Rapid Assessment was done – including

children b. Coordination with government agencies, and

other partners c. Established MHPSS Strategy for COVID19

cases including vulnerable groups like children

d. Setting up of COVID19 MHPSS Hotlines

As per the Regional Centers for Health and Development, the info on COVID is widely accessed through a dedicated Viber account where all DOH issuances are made available for public use – DOHPH COVID19. This serves as a resource to all people. For non-Viber users, the same resources are posted in DOH social media accounts.

Majority of those being tested and those who have been tested are adult but this does not exclude the possibilities of children who may actually be an asymptomatic carrier. Given the situation, bringing them to the emergency – may not be ideal because hospitals are flocked due to the COVID. Severe conditions may warrant the consultation in the hospital emergency.

Launching of Healthy Pilipinas to ensure the need for info for being healthy – the link was shared to the CPWG during the meeting.

Region VI asked for a copy of the protocol in handling COVID-positive children. DOH informed that the existing treatment guidelines follows the same – child friendly practice, the child has to be separated as well. Given this, it should be conveyed to healthworkers that the parent/guardian can look after the child and not to be separated from them provided that he/she is wearing proper PPE.

for children, parents as part of the promotion of PSS.

Mr. Enecillo to send a copy of the DOH Report

Info on social media should not be limited to COVID 19, we should continue messages, healthy lifestyle, nutrition, child health

DOH to work on the draft memo on Maternal and Child Services in birthing facilities to ensure breastfeeding and the safety of everyone. Women with COVID 19 can still continue with breastfeeding.

DOH to share the memo once available.

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DOH is working on a draft memo for newborns and mothers so that they can stay together provided the strict compliance to infection prevention and control measures.

UNICEF Under the IATF –EID, the 3 government priorities include Health, Logistics and Risk Communications. UN Humanitarian Country Team provided inputs to the contingency plan. The UN HCT developed Response Strategy that complements the government plan with the same priorities. For UNICEF – there is a Humanitarian Action for Children – Operational Response Plan that complements the HCT and Government Plans

Risk Communications and Community Engagements – continuing tech supports by cluster coordinators / EMTs, initiatives on social media platforms, there are tools which can be used by agencies as reference in crafting the messages, this can be translated in vernaculars. UNICEF discourage the development of new materials, instead the use / reposting of available materials is encouraged. The CP AoR COVID Resources was provided by Ms. Casado during the meeting. Supplies and Logistics - procurement and distribution of PPEs across the country On primary response - Health and WASH and promotion of hygiene messages, training of community health workers. This includes technical guidance on WASH Health and Nutrition Education Sector is complementing DepEd Strategies – guidelines for learning continuity, safe school operations training for teachers, community child development workers for remote and distance learning Child Protection – incorporate CP elements in COVID Guidelines in the existing guidelines, subject to refinement. The development of generic referral pathways by the CPWG. This can be localized at the barangay level. Strengthening helplines on MHPSS – in partnership with Red Cross.

UNICEF to recirculate the tools

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World Vision World Vision Philippines Global Health Emergency Response is part of the overall Global Emergency Response of WV Partnership covering 17 countries. PH is part of the Tier 1 – priority countries. WVP provides support for government-led responses in Sectoral response on WASH, Livelihood and Health; distribution of Sanitation Kits, Disinfectant kits to medical facilities and isolation tents, PPEs; Risk Communications, IEC materials integrating CP concerns and key messages. It covers target locations in Luzon (Selected areas in Regions I, IV-A V including 3 areas in Quezon City, Visayas (Selected areas I Regions VI, VII and VIII) and Mindanao (Selected areas in X, XII). Responses provided are within WV’s area program locations where there is operational presence wherein the sectoral focus are on health and WASH. There are also efforts on livelihood which is yet to be strengthened

World Vision to share copy of their report to the CPWG members.

CFSI CFSI is involved in risk communications and community engagements. efforts are related to dissemination of IECs on prevention, stress management and parenting in NCR and Mindanao areas. It includes setting up of chat groups with young people for advocacy purposes. Distributing Hygiene Kits to frontliners, food assistance is being done too.

Noted.

Childfund Childfund convened their National Emergency Response Team. They are also working on home-based package of activities and key messages that includes MHPSS. For CF covered children and families:

a. Development of key messages for MHPSS and COVID for their program beneficiaries

b. Review of existing budget / resources to provide supplemental medical assistance to COVID-positive families and children, this will be done in close coordination with local officials

c. Post-COVID Intervention – provision of livelihood support for these families to cope with their economic activities

CWC to share child-friendly materials, useful information on MHPSS

CF to provide further updates on the plan implementation

DepEd DRRMS Launching of DepEd Commons – an online platform for public school teachers where they

Noted.

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can access online educational resources to support their distance learning modalities.

Strengthening of ICT facilities to all DepEd Schools particularly the areas with no stable online access.

Setting up of Task Force for COVID and DRR teams who monitors the situations.

3. Technical Guidance from the Global CPWG for the Protection of Children during the COVID19

Pandemic

Discussion Action Points

The Technical Guidance provides overview on the roles as CP Workers

CP Risks – compilation of global risks including child maltreatment, gender-based violence, mental health and psychosocial distress, CL, unaccompanied children, social exclusion

CP response – list of suggested activities including specific responses at the regional level. These are suggested responses in working across sectors and government

CP Specific Strategies / Programming – training of frontline workers on MHPSS, setting up of helplines, strengthening the family and caregiving environments, community-level approaches, specific guidance on case management – to be used by DSWD and the RCPWGs

List of Resources are also available

UNICEF to send a hardcopy of the CPMS to CWC. E-copy is already provided to the CPWG members.

Members to send inputs to the 3Ws to ensure that the agency inputs are registered.

4. Agreements/ Core Priorities on Child Protection

4.1 Hospital Care for Children – Enhancement of the existing DOH guidelines to include

specific guidelines for children. UNICEF to support dissemination through their social

media platforms, schedule for release/ Info-blasting can also be done.

4.2 Monitoring and Responding to Abuse - Utilization of available child helplines including

Bantay Bata 163. CWC will affirm with BB 163 on the use of the hotline to report COVID-

related issues and concerns. CWC to also coordinate with the PNP WCPC for monitoring

of cases.

4.3 Release of the Referral Pathways to RCPWGs - This is one of the priority to be drafted by

the NCPWG Small Group then will later be presented and consulted to the N/RCPWGs.

4.4 Guidance on Curfew – including Protocols for Children Living on the Streets – CWC to

coordinate with the DILG for the refinement of the memo circular reiterating the

harmonization and use of existing protocols including that of JJWC’s protocol for CAR and

CICLs.

4.5 Adolescent Health - CWC to continue its individual case referral of children / PLHIVs to

the DSWD. This serves as a stopgap measure while the CWC ComCHA works on the

refinement of the guidelines. The NCPWG offered to provide technical assistance to

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ComCHA in the development. Internal consultations within UNICEF will also be done to

discuss this.

Others

Information Materials/ Resources on Mapping of Services are available in OCHA website.

Nutrition Cluster Advisory to emphasize coordination to Councils and Committees on

Children – Ms. Casado to coordinate this with their Nutrition Section.

5. Schedule of the Next Meeting

7 April 2020, 1:00PM via Zoom, UNICEF – Rem Sibug to send the invitation.