The problem of child abuse is not just a concern of charitable institutions but should be by members of the society.

It is the goal of Batang Pinangga to motivate individuals to become caring for the children. It is one way to stop child abuse. The foundation carries the slogan “AYAW”, a dialect for NO, Don’t. By learning to say the language, the victims would be heard, by learning how to listen for the signs of abuse, the victims will be helped. Batang Pinangga hopes to spread the language in schools, in communities..

CAMPAIGN GOES ON THE ROAD

From Danao City, to the town of Dalaguete, from the north to the south of Cebu, Batang Pinangga has spread its campaign against child abuse.

On its 11th year, the foundation opted to celebrate it on the road through the AYAW caravan. It is again another unique and encouraging experience.

Starting off at seven in the morning on June 29, children and personnel traveled around 120 kilometers, from its home in Barangay Triumfo, Carmen, all the way to Casay, Dalaguete, arriving at its host community, Sitio Angas.

On every stop-over, leaflets, stickers and posters were given to curious eyes, looking at the banners and streamers on the cars that read “respect child’s rights, help stop child abuse”.

Around 50 children and adults from Batang Pinangga slept over in different host families in the small community of Angas, home to around 1000 residents who are mostly small fishermen and fish vendors. In the evening, the community members welcome the children by lighting the candles and blessed by Fr. Pete Manilag, Board Chair of Batang Pinangga, who also joined the caravan along with his team from the Carmelites Fathers Cebu. Since 2004, the village of Angas has hosted a number of children for summer or Christmas vacations; two children have lived with adoptive families since 2006.

A forum on June 30 at Casay National High School was the highlight of the caravan. Officer from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development, Mrs. Evelyn R. Sarmago, Police Officer Maria Fay G. Isidro from the Women’s Desk of Dalaguete Police, Guidance Counselor of Casay Elementary School, Mrs. DUlce B. Sereno, Committee Head for Women and Children of Barangay Casay, Remedios C. Egos, and Forth Year Class Adviser Mrs. Juana ABiera, Fr. Pete Manilag, Jr. OCarm, and Executive Director Juda Carpintero, made up the forum guests.

The advocacy coordinator of the foundation, Melecio Jumao-as, presented the topic on child abuse and its forms. Around 100 fourth year students of the school participated, asking a number of questions. The officers in turn made themselves available to help anytime. The tip for the participants: reporting any abuses promptly, know where to go, and child’s self-awareness of the imminent danger.