The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is rolling out interventions for children involved in armed conflict (CIAC) and their families in pilot areas under its PEACE Project.

“In response to the ongoing threats and vulnerabilities faced by children in conflict areas, the PEACE Project serves as a vital framework to deliver rights-based and trauma-informed interventions to children in conflict-affected areas,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement Thursday.

Dumlao, who is also the department’s spokesperson, said 17 CIAC and their families in the Davao Region and Northern Mindanao are currently receiving assistance under the pilot implementation.

The PEACE Project was developed by the DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau (STB) under Republic Act 11188, or the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act.

“The PEACE Project utilizes a two-pronged approach focusing on risk-based case management and peace-promoting education for families and communities,” Dumlao said.

The project provides beneficiaries with psychological assessments, educational assistance, health services and livelihood support through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program.

In July, the DSWD expanded its ground interventions by providing livelihood and skills training with seed capital support to families of CIAC in San Fernando, Bukidnon. It also launched specialized learning modules on community peacebuilding, trauma recovery and preventing child recruitment.

“Through a whole-of-government collaboration, local government units and partner agencies work together to address both immediate needs and long-term welfare of young beneficiaries. Mahalaga na ma-proteksyunan natin ang kabataan sa ganitong uri ng kaguluhan (It is important that we protect the youth from this kind of conflict),” Dumlao said.

She added that the DSWD is also strengthening local capacity by training social workers and establishing Local Project Management Teams in pilot areas to support the protection, rehabilitation and reintegration of affected children.

“Building local capacity through specialized training for social workers and institutionalizing local project management teams will help create a safe environment for child reintegration, protection, and rehabilitation,” Dumlao said.

The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect children and other vulnerable sectors from violence and exploitation. (PNA)