Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) at RTC Branch 73 – Malabon City
Presiding Judge: Hon. Catherine Tagle-Salvador
The Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPF), in partnership with RTC Branch 73 – Malabon City, successfully held the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) on June 27, 2025. This initiative, conducted with social workers from SMEIDFI – Heart of Mary Villa, Sacred Heart Parish–Diocese of Novaliches, and QC SSDD Bahay Kalinga, aimed to introduce children and teens to court procedures and promote awareness of the justice system.
Welcoming the Children
Hon. Catherine Tagle-Salvador warmly welcomed participants without her judicial robe, creating a friendly and non-intimidating environment. This thoughtful gesture helped the children feel at ease in the courtroom for the first time.
Court Awareness Session
Children were introduced to:
• The role of the court in the justice system
• The various court personnel and their functions
• The importance of the judicial process
Facilitated by Atty. Marilen A. Nuesca, Branch Clerk of Court, the session included video presentations and interactive discussions.
Interactive Learning
Children participated in “what if” scenarios, answering questions to reinforce learning about testifying and courtroom procedures. Correct responses were rewarded with prizes, motivating active participation.
Mock Trial Simulation
A mock trial guided by Hon. Catherine Tagle-Salvador (in robe), with support from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and a court interpreter, allowed children to:
• Take an oath on the witness stand
• Participate in role-play exercises simulating a real trial
The exercise boosted children’s confidence and familiarity with courtroom procedures.
Feedback from Social Workers
“It was a unique experience for me, even though it was not my first time entering an actual courtroom. I observed how the judge and other court personnel value children’s rights and ensure that children feel welcome and comfortable. Overall, it was a positive experience.”
“I learned how the court creates a safe and child-friendly environment that helps children share their stories and ensures they receive the justice they deserve.”
“Participating in KTCAP has strengthened my confidence in pursuing my passion for helping children who have experienced abuse. I learned how the court provides a safe space, continuous support, and recognition of children’s rights.
“Visiting the court helped me better understand how court proceedings take place and who the courtroom personnel are. This knowledge gives me confidence in supporting children during legal processes.”
“As a social worker in a residential facility, we are not usually called to assist children during court proceedings. However, KTCAP helped me understand court processes and allowed me to build familiarity with court personnel, which will improve my ability to support the children effectively.”
“The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program plays a vital role for our participants at Heart of Mary Villa. It provides essential legal knowledge that we, as direct service providers, may not always have. The program empowers children to understand legal procedures, recognize the importance of filing cases, and gain confidence to pursue justice. It encourages them to become voices for other victims and affirms that the justice system is fair and trustworthy.”
– Ms. Hannah Mae T. Rey, RSW
SMEIDFI – Heart of Mary Villa
“The program flow was well-organized, and the topics were very informative. The resource person explained the topics clearly and in Filipino, making them easy for the children to understand. The participants especially enjoyed the session with the judge and court personnel.”
– Ms. Ma. Theresa B. Agdoro, Social Worker
Sacred Heart Parish–Diocese of Novaliches
“Although I felt nervous, the experience prepared me and gave me confidence to attend a court hearing in the future. It was my first time entering a courtroom, and the program helped me understand the court hearing process.”“The program flow was smooth, and the topics were translated into Filipino, making them appropriate and understandable for minors. The topics were explained very well and helped staff prepare children for court hearings. This program is highly beneficial in building children’s confidence when attending court proceedings.”
– Ms. Ninia Grace Pacleb, Office Aide
QC SSDD Bahay Kalinga
Voices of Children from SMEIDFI – Heart of Mary Villa
“Wag pong matakot magsabi ng totoo sa Judge. Maganda po sa korte at hindi po ako natakot sa korte.”
— Female, 12 years old
“Natutunan ko po kung ano ang pwedeng gawin o itanong ng abogado ng akusado. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga itinuro at ibinahagi nilang aral sa amin.”
— Female, 12 years old
“Natutunan ko po ay maging malakas. Marami po akong natutunan sa court.”
— Female, 14 years old
“Ang natutunan ko po ay dapat maging maayos ang pananamit sa loob ng korte at iwasan ang maiikling damit.”
— Female, 12 years old
“I learned about the hearing process and the roles of the people inside the courtroom. My court visit made me feel confident, especially when going to court.”
— Female, 20 years old
Voices of Children from the Sacred Heart Parish–Diocese of Novaliches
“Ang natutunan ko po ay huwag mahiya na ikuwento ang aking karanasan.”
— Female, 14 years old
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.”