5.2M BUDGET FOR CRADLE SOUGHT Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno has requested Department of Budget and Management Secretary Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. to specifically provide the Department of Social Welfare and Development a P5,235,137.00 budget under Operation Program as allocation for support services to ensure that the rights and welfare of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), particularly those confined at the Center for Restorative Activities, Development and Learning Experiences or CRADLE are protected, this was announced by Bureau of Jail Management and Penology chief, Director Armando M. Llamasares. The DILG Secretary further explained that DSWD is the lead agency “mandated to adopt ways, means and measures allowed under existing laws, rules and regulations to protect the rights and welfare of CICL.” The designation of DSWD as the lead agency is contained in Memorandum Order No. 203 issued by President Arroyo on January 30, 2006, Puno said. Puno noted that DSWD do not have the necessary budget for the maintenance of the CRADLE and is thus asking DBM to provide funds for the purpose. At present, the BJMP, whose only role is to assist DSWD in providing jail personnel for the safekeeping of CICL, is the one maintaining the CRADLE which is gravely depleting the already limited resources of BJMP, Puno said. On April this year, President Arroyo accompanied by Secretary Puno, Undersecretary Marius Corpus, DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral, Taguig City mayor Freddie Tinga and BJMP officials led by Director Armando M Llamasares toured the CRADLE facility and was impressed by the improvements made by the BJMP. The facility is manned by 39 jail officers, with eight jail officers manning each shift. Six social workers help in the implementation of various programs designed to advance the physical, spiritual, moral, intellectual and social well-being of CICL. |
