KTCAP Empowers Young Witnesses at Makati Family Court

On March 26 at 9:00 a.m., Judge Robert Victor Marcon of Family Court Branch 3, Makati City, served as the resource person for a special Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) session. He warmly welcomed the participants and, together with his dedicated staff, facilitated an interactive learning experience on the Philippine court system.

On March 26, 2024, Hon. Judge Robert Victor Marcon of Family Court Branch 3, Makati City, led an empowering Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) session for 11 children and 14 adults comprised of social workers, parents, house parents, and guardians from Fresh Hope for Families, Mandaluyong City Social Welfare and Development (MCSWD), Caritas Novaliches, Diocese of Novaliches and the Quezon City Social Services Development Department (QC SSDD).

Interactive Role-Play Led by Judge Marcon

Judge Marcon, together with his dedicated staff, facilitated an interactive role-play activity that introduced children to:

• The structure and function of the court
• The roles of courtroom personnel
• The basic steps in court procedures
• The importance of their testimony and how to speak with confidence

Building Familiarity and Reducing Fear

Through this hands-on approach, Judge Marcon and his team successfully introduced children to the workings of the court in a way that reduced fear and built familiarity. The session emphasized that court proceedings can be an empowering experience for child witnesses when they are well-prepared and supported.

Emphasis on Child Empowerment

This KTCAP session reaffirmed the importance of building children’s confidence and resilience as they prepare to participate in the judicial process.

Voices of the Children

1. “Pinaka nagustuhan ko po ay yung nakilala ko ang mga tao sa korte, dahil nalaman ko po kung sino ang mga nasa loob ng korte at mas naging komportable ako” – Female, 10 years old
   “What I liked most was getting to know the people in court. Now I understand who they are and I feel more comfortable.”
2. “Dahil sa programang KTCAP marami ako natutunan at nagkaroon ng mga bagong kaibigan.” – Female, 13 years old
   “Because of KTCAP, I learned so much—and I even made new friends!”
3. “Mabait po ang Judge at tinuruan niya po kami kung paano sasagot sa mga tanong. Masaya po siya kausap.” – Female, 12 years old
   “The judge was kind and taught us how to answer questions. He was fun to talk to.”
4. “Naging kalmado ako dahil alam ko po ang gagawin dahil sa Kids and Teens Court Awareness session. Kalmado kase nga po meron kaming natutunan kay Judge. Sa session kasi marami po akong natutunan pinaka nagustuhan ko dahil sa KTCAP ay napaliwanag ito ng maayos at lahat ng mga katanungan na matagal ko na gustong itanong at nakuha ang sagot ngayon ay nasagot na.” – Female, 14 years old
   “I felt calm because I now know what to do, thanks to the KTCAP session. The judge explained everything clearly, and the questions I’ve had for a long time were finally answered.”

Feedback from a Social Worker

At Family Court Branch 3 in Makati City, Judge Marcon and his dedicated staff went above and beyond in preparing a meaningful KTCAP session. Through engaging role-play and an open Q&A, they made the court process easy to understand for the children. What once felt overwhelming, and anxiety-inducing was transformed into a supportive and empowering experience. Child victims and witnesses left the session feeling more confident, secure, and ready to face their cases.”
— Ahleen Joy M. Antonio, Social Worker, Fresh Hope for Families

Final Thoughts

The KTCAP session with Judge Marcon reminded us that when we take the time to educate, empathize, and engage with young minds, we create safer, more supportive pathways to justice. With every empowered child, we move one step closer to a court system that not only seeks the truth but also protects the most vulnerable with compassion and care.

About KTCAP

“The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) is a collaborative initiative designed to empower child and teen victims or witnesses of abuse and exploitation. Its goal is to prepare them for court appearances while easing the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty often associated with legal proceedings. Inspired by the King County Kids’ Court in Seattle and thoughtfully adapted for the Philippine context, KTCAP helps young participants understand the justice system, their role in it, and how to navigate courtroom processes with confidence and clarity.

The Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation (JCMPF), in collaboration with the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA) and Action Against Violence and Exploitation, conducts the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP).

Every child has the right to be heard. KTCAP is helping make that possible—one empowered child at a time.”