By Karen Serrano & Shiela Mae Hade
On February 9, 2025, the Archdiocese of Caceres, through the Caceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP) marked a significant milestone by hosting the First Parish Safeguarding Summit, themed “Rallying Troops: Building a Culture of Trust and Protection in Our Communities.” The event, held at the Minor Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga City, saw active participation from 47 parishes with 245 participants underscoring the Church’s commitment to safeguarding its members.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in workshops and discussions aimed at identifying prevalent social concerns within their parishes. Through the guidance of Prof. Gloria San Antonio, these sessions facilitated the sharing of best practices and the candid acknowledgment of areas needing improvement in safeguarding efforts. The collaborative environment allowed parish representatives to propose tailored policies and action plans, ensuring that safeguarding measures are both effective and contextually relevant.
A highlight of the summit was the formal establishment of 45 Parish Protection Desks. These desks are envisioned to serve as dedicated units within each parish, focusing on the protection of children, women, and vulnerable individuals. Their roles encompass:
Raising Awareness: Conducting educational programs to inform parishioners about safeguarding issues and preventive measures.
Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing clear and accessible channels for reporting concerns or incidents related to abuse or neglect.
Support Services: Providing immediate assistance and referrals to professional services for affected individuals.
Policy Implementation: Ensuring that diocesan safeguarding policies are effectively enacted within the parish context.
Insightful Talks and Engaging Discussions
The summit featured a series of plenary sessions and workshops aimed at equipping parishes with the tools and knowledge to implement effective safeguarding measures.
“Parish Protection Desk and the Safeguarding Initiatives in Parishes” – Rev. Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar, Chairperson of the Caceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP), outlined the role of Parish Protection Desks in preventing and responding to safeguarding concerns. He emphasized that these desks will serve as frontline responders, ensuring that every parish adopts safeguarding policies tailored to their communities.
“Parenting in Homes Today” – Dr. Antonieta A. Rodriguez, faculty member of Ateneo de Naga University Graduate School, provided an insightful discussion on modern parenting challenges. She underscored the critical role of families in building a culture of protection, reminding participants that safeguarding begins at home.
“Safe Spaces Act: Bawal Bastos Law” – Atty. Maria Jela Moran, LPT, founder of Know Your Rights Philippines, delivered a compelling session on gender-based violence and the legal protections provided under the Safe Spaces Act. She urged Church leaders to create safe environments not only in parishes but in all community spaces.
“VAWC Incident Referral System” – PSMS Daisyris V. Tapan, PNCO in-charge of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in Naga City, walked participants through the legal protocols and support mechanisms for victims of violence against women and children (VAWC). She provided practical steps for parishes to take in handling such cases with sensitivity and efficiency.
“Crash Course on Cybercrime” – PSMS Lea Rivera, WCPD PNCO Investigator , shed light on the dangers of online abuse, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation. She highlighted recent love scam and hacking incidents in Camarines Sur, warning communities about the increasing number of online fraud cases targeting individuals through social media and digital platforms. She encouraged parishes to educate their communities about responsible internet use, digital safeguarding, and ways to report cybercrime incidents effectively.
Each session was followed by breakout workshops where participants reflected on the key concerns affecting their parishes and formulated action plans. The outputs of these workshops will be submitted to the Office for Safe Environment for further study and implementation.
A Continuing Mission
The Archdiocese plans to make the Parish Safeguarding Summit an annual event, continually reinforcing its dedication for protection and trust within its communities. This is just the beginning. Our journey towards building a culture of safeguarding is ongoing, and with collective effort, we can create parishes where everyone feels safe and valued.
For more information on the Archdiocese’s safeguarding initiatives or to get involved, parishioners are encouraged to visit the Caceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP) page at https://www.facebook.com/cowcp2014.
The success of this summit reflects the Archdiocese of Caceres’ unwavering commitment to fostering communities rooted in trust, protection, and the compassionate teachings of the Church.
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