“The Philippines recognizes the fundamental importance of protecting the rights of children and promoting and ensuring their access to education, including those in situations of armed conflict.

To concretize this, a national policy framework established by our ministry on education declares learners and children as ‘Zones of Peace’. This principle is also embodied in our milestone law, the first of its kind in the world, titled Special Protection on Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC). This law mandates the State to provide these children and learners special protection.

Implementing this law is a whole-of-society endeavor. It is spearheaded by the Philippines armed forces, in collaboration with other uniformed services, the police force, civil society organizations, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), and other stakeholders.

The Philippines in committed to keeping children away from armed conflict, recuing those exploited by armed groups, and providing them with an avenue for positive growth and change.”