The City Government of Davao has recently ordered the promulgation and adoption of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC) Ordinance No. 0602-18, Series of 2018.
Executive Order (EO) No. 8, Series of 2022, was signed on February 28, 2022, to be implemented effectively.
The Order cited the enacted Ordinance No. 0602-18, Series of 2018, also known as “An Ordinance Creating the Special Office for Children’s Concern under the City Mayor’s Office,” which aims to harmonize the efforts and promote coordination to maximize the efficiency of all the implementing agencies in protecting and promoting the rights of the children.
A Technical Working Group was then created under EO 66, Series of 2020, to handle the efficient formulation of the IRR for the creation of the SOCC.
The SOCC was created to beef up the capacity of all implementing agencies in realizing the provision of the Ordinance. It shall also serve as the special coordinating and implementing arm of the Local Government of Davao City Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) in its function to focus on children-specific programs and projects distinct from the direct service function of Davao City’s social welfare arm, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
EO 8 also provides that the SOCC shall be responsible for the implementation of this Ordinance with regulatory, executory coordinative, monitoring, and evaluative functions; ensure, uphold, promote, and fulfill the four fundamental rights of children – survival, protection, development, and participation – through plans, programs, and policymaking; coordinate with networks of organizations, both government offices (GOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the preparation and assessment, as well as in the updating of strategic plans.
The SOCC shall also establish and manage a database on children in Davao City; formulate or recommend mechanisms, standards, and guidelines in public or private entities to ensure the effective implementation of the objectives of the LCPC and other laws involving children; and oversee and assess the policies and programs of public and private entities to see whether there is faithful compliance with the Davao City Children Welfare Code and other laws and ordinances involving children.
The budget for SOCC’s programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) and operations shall be reflected in the city’s three-year Local Development Plan for Children and Annual Work and Financial Plan for Children.
For the full provisions of EO 8, Series of 2022, visit https://dcstaging.davaocity.gov.ph/transparency/executive-orders/2022-2/. CIO
