The Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPF), through its flagship Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP), successfully conducted a Family Court Visit at Family Court Branch 9, Navotas City, presided over by Hon. Cecilia Bunagan-Parallag, providing child survivors with a safe and supportive opportunity to become familiar with the justice system before participating in court proceedings.
The activity welcomed six (6) child participants from Malabon Bahay Sandigan – Tahanan ng Batang Pinoy, accompanied by social workers and caregivers. Designed as an interactive and child-friendly learning experience, the court visit aimed to reduce fear and anxiety by helping participants understand the courtroom environment and the roles of the professionals who will support them throughout the legal process.
The program began with a guided tour of the Family Court Branch 9 facilities in Navotas City, led by court personnel, allowing participants to become comfortable with the courtroom setting before the formal orientation. Hon. Cecilia Bunagan-Parallag warmly welcomed the young participants and emphasized that the Family Court exists to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child is heard with dignity and respect.
Participants were introduced to the dedicated members of the Family Court team, including the Branch Clerk of Court, legal researcher, court interpreters, stenographers, sheriff, clerks, process server, and other personnel. Each explained how their work contributes to a fair, orderly, and child-sensitive justice system.
To help ease anxiety, the young participants participated in an interactive game that reinforced an important message—that while fear and danger may exist, the court serves as a place of protection where child survivors can safely tell their stories. The activity encouraged participants to express their emotions openly while recognizing that every feeling is valid and respected.
The educational sessions featured valuable discussions from distinguished justice sector partners. Ms. Angelyn M. Del Mundo, RSW, Court Social Worker, explained the critical role of social workers in providing emotional support, ensuring children’s safety, maintaining confidentiality, and connecting families with essential services throughout the legal process.
Atty. Leonard Czar M. Jayme, Branch Clerk of Court, introduced the responsibilities of prosecutors and defense lawyers, helping participants understand that both play vital roles in ensuring that justice is served fairly.
Atty. April P. De Castro of the Public Attorney’s Office provided an insightful discussion on the role of defense lawyers, explaining that they are not adversaries of child survivors but essential participants in ensuring due process and protecting constitutional rights. She reassured the young participants that courtroom questions are intended to clarify facts rather than intimidate them and encouraged them to answer honestly and confidently.
Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Edna F. Urbano-Aninias assured participants that they would receive guidance and support throughout the entire legal process. She encouraged them to tell their stories truthfully, ask questions whenever they were uncertain, and remain confident that they would not face the journey alone.
One of the most inspiring moments of the program came from Hon. Cecilia Bunagan-Parallag, who reminded the young participants that judges can only make fair decisions when witnesses speak honestly and clearly. She encouraged them to have confidence in their voices and shared a powerful message that resonated deeply with everyone present: “They are not victims—they are survivors.” She praised the child survivors for their courage in reporting the abuse they experienced and reminded them that, with the support of the court and the professionals around them, they can continue pursuing justice with hope and resilience.
The KTCAP Court Visit concluded with renewed confidence, meaningful learning, and smiles from the participants. More than introducing courtroom procedures, the activity empowered each child participant to understand that their voice matters, their truth deserves to be heard, and they are supported by dedicated professionals committed to protecting their rights.
Through the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program, JCMPF continues to strengthen child-friendly justice by preparing child survivors and witnesses for court, reducing trauma through education, and fostering greater confidence as they seek justice.
ABOUT KTCAP
The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) is a flagship initiative of the Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation (JCMPF), implemented in partnership with Family Courts, prosecutors, social workers, and child protection advocates nationwide. The program prepares child victims and witnesses for court by helping them understand the justice process, reducing fear and anxiety, and empowering them to participate with confidence while promoting a more child-friendly justice system.