Collaborative Workshop on Child Rights-Based Public Finance by UPOU, UNICEF Philippines, and Partners

On 3 December 2024, the University of the Philippines Open University Foundation, Inc. (UPOUFI), through the University of the Philippines Open University-Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU-FMDS), in collaboration with representatives from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Social Watch Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government-National Barangay Operations Office (DILG-NBOO), participated in a workshop titled ‘A Primer on Child Rights-Based Public Finance Online Learning Course.’ Hosted online by the UPOU, the workshop focused on planning the details of the modules for child rights-based public finance training courses for local executives and stakeholders.

The key attendees included Ms. Lea Marasigan, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines’ Social Policy Specialist. From the UPOU-FMDS, the participants included Dr. Joane Serrano (FMDS Dean), Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan (Project Leader), Dr. Augusto Rodriguez (Social Policy Component Leader), Asst. Prof. Regina Mendoza-Armiendo (Module Developer), Asst. Prof. Ria Valerie Cabanes (Research Associate), Asst. Prof. Lorena Jean Saludadez (Research Associate), Ms. Dona Lyn Piamonte (Research Associate), Ms. Sydney Rovin Macahiya (Research Associate), Mr. Lexter Mangubat (Videographer/Instructional Designer), and Ms. Eunice Laarnie Simon (Program Assistant). From Social Watch Philippines, Ms. Jessica Reyes-Cantos (Co-Convenor) and Mr. Alec Quitalig (Senior Budget Specialist) participated. From the CWC, Mr. Elino Bardillon (Planning Officer V) and Ms. Julie Ann Delen (Planning Officer I) attended. The DBM was represented by Ms. Rowena Marte (Chief Budget and Management Specialist), while the ULAP was represented by Ms. Maricor Anne Cauton. Additionally, Ms. Ma. Belen Demonteverde (Supervising Administrative Officer) from the DepEd and Mr. Bony Mar Lumabao (Local Government Operations Officer) from the DILG-NBOO also participated.

The collaborative project aims to enhance the child rights-based public finance initiatives in the Philippines particularly through the involvement of national and subnational government partners, such as agency members of the Public Finance for Children initiative. Its main objective is to empower public finance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate and mainstream children’s rights into financial planning, management, and decision-making. By fostering a deep understanding of theoretical foundations, guiding principles, and practical approaches, the initiative aims to ensure that public resources are allocated efficiently and equitably to promote children’s welfare. Emphasizing transparency, accountability, equity, and participation, the project addresses barriers to effective public spending and advocates for sustainable, inclusive investments that uphold and advance children’s rights. The project is one of the components under the Development of Executive Course on Child Protection and ChildRights-Based Public Finance Online Learning Course/Modules by the UPOUFI, assisted by UNICEF Philippines.

Aligned with the UPOU’s mission to democratize access to education and training, this initiative also supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.