CARING FOR YOUTH OFFENDERS. BJMP chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera (2nd from left) and NYC chairperson Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema (2nd from right) show copies of a signed memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the BJMP national headquarters in Quezon City on Thursday (Jan. 18, 2024). Under the MOA, the two agencies would pool resources and work together in building a more inclusive and compassionate environment, fostering the potential of each young person within the justice system. (Photo courtesy of BJMP)
MANILA – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) on Thursday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on promoting the rights and well-being of youth persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
BJMP chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera and NYC chairperson Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema signed the MOA in simple rites at the BJMP national headquarters in Quezon City.
"Sa ugnayang ito ng NYC at BJMP, hindi lamang ‘yung mga youth PDL na mayroong kasong may kinalaman sa terorismo ang ini-aangat natin, kundi ang lahat ng youth PDL sa ilalim ng ating pangangalaga— mga survivor at biktima ng gender violence, mga kabilang sa LGBTQIA+, yaong mga kabataang biktima ng pang-aabuso, mga solo parents. Lahat sila ay sakop ng kooperasyong ito (In this relationship between NYC and BJMP, we are not only lifting up those youth PDLs who have cases related to terrorism, but all youth PDLs under our care— survivors and victims of gender violence, including to LGBTQIA+, those who are young victims of abuse, single parents. They are all subject to this cooperation)," Rivera said.
Under the MOA, the two agencies would pool resources and work together in building a more inclusive and compassionate environment, fostering the potential of each young person within the justice system.
"Ang pagsasanib-pwersa ng NYC at ng BJMP ay makatutulong ng malaki sa higit pa nilang [youth PDL] pag-unlad kahit nasa loob sila ng kulungan, sapagkat aasahan natin na simula ngayon, magkakaroon na tayo ng mga programang nadisenyo at nakatuon lamang para sa mga kabataan (The collaboration of the NYC and the BJMP will help a lot in their [youth PDL] further development even when they are in jail, because we can expect that from now on, we will have programs designed and dedicated only for young people)," Rivera said.
BJMP records showed 37,804 youth PDLs aged 18 to 30 are currently detained in its facilities, with 23 identified as children in conflict with the law and 159 facing charges related to terrorism.
To date, the BJMP implements general programs for youth PDLs, including the Alternative Learning System, skills training, livelihood, Therapeutic Community Modality Program, art expression, and sports.
These initiatives aim to encompass all youth PDLs, ensuring comprehensive support for their growth and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, NYC recently launched the Philippine Youth Development Plan (PYDP) 2023-2028 with peacebuilding and security as one of its centers of participation.
The PYDP is a comprehensive plan that aims to empower the youth through various strategies and programs aimed to address the issues faced by the youth today.
“This partnership aligns with the strategies of the PYDP which is made to empower and include every Filipino youth in all our initiatives. At kami, sa NYC, ay naniniwala na ang bawat kabataang Pilipino ay may karapatan na mabigyan ng oportunidad at suporta, kahit ano pa man ang kanilang estado sa lipunan (We at the NYC believe that every Filipino youth has the right to be given the opportunity and support, regardless of social status),” Cardema said. (PNA)
