South Cotabato, Philippines — In a powerful move to dismantle harmful traditional practices and safeguard the dreams of the younger generation, the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWDO) took its advocacy to the heart of the Muslim community in Barangay Ambalgan.
The initiative, dubbed the “Information and Education Campaign on Muslim Child Protection,” shifted the focus from mere policy-reading to a soul-searching dialogue on the rights, welfare, and the urgent prevention of early marriage among Muslim youth.
“Protecting children is a shared responsibility. Through information campaigns like this, we aim to empower communities with the knowledge and understanding needed to safeguard the rights and future of every child,” Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Sonia Bautista emphasized, highlighting that the campaign is a shield for the vulnerable.
Sultan Motalib Sambuto provided a profound spiritual and cultural perspective, bridging Islamic teachings with modern child protection. He stressed that nurturing a child’s future through education and guidance is a collective sacred duty, challenging the community to see early marriage not as a tradition to uphold, but as a barrier to a child’s full potential.
Furthering the discussion, Ms. Sharon Noman laid out the province’s “zero-tolerance” framework against abuse and neglect. She urged parents and local leaders to transition from being mere spectators to becoming fierce advocates for child welfare within their own doorsteps.
Bautista added that the province remains committed to a “culturally sensitive” approach, acknowledging that the fight against early marriage is won through the hearts and minds of faith leaders and parents. “By working together, we can prevent early marriage and promote opportunities that will help our youth reach their full potential,” she concluded.
Under the vision of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., this campaign serves as a cornerstone of South Cotabato’s mission to ensure that every child—regardless of faith—is given the chance to grow, learn, and lead.
