Care Program on Corporal Punishment for Caregivers and Child Advocates

Bantay Bata Staff

The Care Program for Caregivers and Child Advocates was one of the many seminars and activities in line with Save the Children Sweden's ongoing global campaign to end all violence against children. This time, there is a need for change both in policies and practices to strengthen the campaign in handling our children. Residential care centers in Davao City were recommended to fit in with the campaign's focus to stop corporal punishment in handling children.

The 3-day stay-in Care Program seminar at Punta del Sol, Island Garden of Samal involved the whole of Bantay Bata 163 Davao Staff, as well as invited social workers/representatives from BB163 Zamboanga and BB163 Iloilo.

Mr. Belindo Aguilar, from the Terres Des Hommes along with Ms. Ilyn and Ms. Carla from Tambayan Center for Children's Rights were the facilitator for the Care Program seminar.

Ice Breaker led by Mr. Belindo

Each of the staff was introduced to deepening of their understanding of what it entails to care for children, by reflecting on their own childhood experiences. They used visual arts to illustrate their ideas, emotions and memories, along with group sharing to further explain their artworks.
Most of the participants have their own ideas and memories on how they were handled -or mishandled- as a child by their own parents.



The main reason for the Care Program is to examine the various disciplinary practices in residential care facilities, and for the caregivers to assess themselves and how well they can manage to discipline the children without resorting to corporal punishment.

Mr. Belindo guided the group into an understanding of what "PUNISHMENT" and what is "DISCIPLINE", and stressing the difference between the two. And for the deepening on the topic, the United Nation's Convention on the Rights of the Children was discussed.

One of the Caregivers from the Children's Home remarked, "We all have our own strengths and weaknesses... Even sometimes it's hard for me to keep my anger in check. I need somebody's help, I cant' do it alone. I tap one of my fellow caregivers to help me whenever one of my chikiting is being hard-headed and I feel my emotions reaching its boiling point."

Bantay Bata 163 Davao's policy is rooted in values and principles, governed by the universal Children's Rights in ensuring the best interest of the children

Day Tour For A Cause

Through the support of 89 participants, the Day Tour For A Cause at Pearl Farm Beach Resort could not have been any more successful.

Pearl Farm's beautiful white sand and vast expanse of clear blue waters was a great venue for families and friends to frolick and relax. The participants enjoyed the various activities that lay in store for them.

Fire Dancing Performance

A great performance from a Fire Dancer left the participants in awe as he moved gracefully with the fire, in the rythm of pulsating music. The participants were more than eager to try Poi Dancing, so they were given practice Poi Dancing sets for them to enjoy.


Trying their hand at Poi Dancing
Live Beach Music at its Best

What would a beach party be without food? The Pearl Farm has always been tagged as one of the resorts in the Philippines with excellent food, and the buffet they reserved for BB Davao's Day Tour for A Cause exceeded expectations. The participants lost no time in lining up for their turn to eat a scrumptuous meal.
While eating, BB Davao staff took center stage as they welcomed Pearl Farm's chef extraordinaire, as he presents his culinary talents through a Cooking Show infront of the guests. Afterward, the staff started the raffle, and the prizes included a framed painting done by Kublai Milan and the kids of Children's Home.







The guest were able to sit back and relax, all the while enjoying beautiful island of Pearl Farm resort. Some took the time to lie under the shade, some went around to explore the other activities such as meditation sessions by Brahama Kumaris, a make-over session by Mary Kay... but some went ahead and enjoyed the water!

CANS Seminar - Workshop

The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strength workshop-seminar, dubbed as "CANS" premiered as the assessment tool that is expected to replace the older methods of administering the various cases pursued by child welfare advocates in Davao City.

Almost 300 participants coming from G.O., N.G.O. sectors, teachers, social workers social work students and church-based agencies attended the seminar workshop.




"I think that just the number of people that showed up is absolutely amazing. I think it demonstrates their commitment to work with the children, the youth and the families. " said DR. Lise Bisnair, a professor from Northwestern University

The people behind CANS recognize the need for all the professionals and students in the Social Work field to expand and update their research concerning the assessment, managerial and decision-making aspects of their work. The CANS assessment tool can also be used as a monitoring instrument to learn the needs of the children and the youth to better the services of their respective agencies.





"I was pretty pleased with the reaction of the audience an I think we reached a kind of first level with awareness." said Dr. Lyons, who was enthusiastic with the participant's reception of the assessment tool, adding that what he wanted was for the social workers of the city to create their own research. A research in line with the idea and what they learned out of CANS, but for it to be designed to answer the needs of the Filipino family.

Love and Care the Friendlycare Clinic Way

Last July 14, 2007 each of the 23 kids under the protection of the Bantay Bata Children's Home were given a full medical examination in the Friendlycare Clinic. From a complete physical check up to determine their height, weight and all other statistics; to dental check-ups to ensure the health of their teeth, and into the hands of a capable pediatrician to make sure they have proper nourishment and vitamin intake.

The children waiting for their turn in the physical examination

Dentist checking for cavities

Dentist looking at one of our children's very healthy set of teeth

And the kids were also treated to a Jollibee pack lunch courtesy still of Friendlycare Clinic.
Bantay Bata 163 Davao is very grateful to all the staff of FC Clinic for taking care of our children in the best way that they can. Thank you for your support!