CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA — July 29, 2026. The Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPFI), in partnership with the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (DOJ, Judiciary, and DILG) and the Calamba City Justice Zone, held the 7th Kids’ Day-Out in Court at the Family Court, Branch 8, New Hall of Justice, Calamba City, Laguna.
The half-day activity brought together children, caregivers, justice sector representatives, partner agencies, and other stakeholders in a shared effort to make the justice system more familiar, accessible, and less intimidating for young participants.
For children, entering a courtroom can be an unfamiliar experience. The surroundings, the people, and the procedures may raise questions or cause apprehension, particularly for those who may need to participate in court proceedings.
Through its Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) and Kids’ Day-Out in Court, JCMPFI seeks to help children become familiar with the court environment through age-appropriate information, guided orientation, and opportunities to interact with justice sector representatives in a safe and supportive setting.
Learning About the Justice System
The activity welcomed children and caregivers from Lucban Shelter for Women and Children, Consider the Lily, Bahay Tuluyan–Manila and Laguna, Calamba Children Shelter of Hope, and the Women Crisis and Therapy Center–CSWDO Calamba City, together with representatives of partner agencies and the justice sector.
The program opened with registration, doxology and prayer, and the singing of the national anthem, followed by the introduction of participants and guests.
The welcome remarks and presentation of objectives highlighted the importance of helping children understand the justice system and become more familiar with the institutions and people involved in the administration of justice.
Through the orientation and audio-visual presentations, the children were introduced to the role of the Family Court and the different people who contribute to the justice process. The discussions provided an opportunity to present information in a manner appropriate to the children’s understanding and experience.
Bringing the Court Closer to Children
A highlight of the activity was the guided tour of the Family Court, which allowed the children to see the courtroom and its facilities firsthand.
Rather than simply hearing about court proceedings, the children could observe the actual setting and become familiar with the environment. This opportunity to explore the courtroom in a structured and supportive setting can help make an unfamiliar place more understandable and approachable.
The activity also included an interactive question-and-answer session with justice sector representatives. Children were encouraged to raise questions and engage with the resource persons, fostering an atmosphere of openness and learning.
By allowing children to see the court, understand its basic functions, and ask questions, Kids’ Day-Out in Court seeks to help them approach the justice system with greater familiarity and awareness.
Learning Through Joy and Creativity
The program combined learning with opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Special numbers presented by the children and partner groups brought energy and joy to the gathering, allowing participants to share their talents and contribute to the day’s activities.
A particularly meaningful highlight was the launch of Si Katkat at ang Korte, a child-friendly booklet designed to help children better understand the court system and become familiar with what they may encounter when participating in court proceedings.
The booklet serves as an additional resource in JCMPFI’s continuing efforts to make court preparation and justice education more accessible to children. By presenting information in a child-friendly format, it can help introduce court-related concepts in ways that are easier for young readers to understand.
The launch reflects the importance of developing resources that respond to children’s needs and support their understanding of the justice process.
Recognizing Participation and Partnership
Certificates were distributed in recognition of the children’s participation and the contributions of those who helped make the activity possible.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Maribeth R. Baril, Executive Director of JCMPFI, who underscored the importance of collective action in advancing a justice system that recognizes and responds to the needs of children.
Lunch and fellowship followed the formal program, providing participants, partners, and guests with an opportunity to connect, exchange experiences, and strengthen their continuing collaboration.
The success of the 7th Kids’ Day-Out in Court was made possible through the support and participation of Hon. Angelina A. Mailom-Orendain, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 92 and Calamba City Justice Zone Convenor; Hon. Alvin B. Tanguanco, Presiding Judge of Family Court Branch 8; Family Court personnel; DSWD shelter representatives; and partner organizations.
Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to promoting a justice system in which children are treated with dignity, care, and respect.
A Shared Commitment to Child-Friendly Justice
Kids’ Day-Out in Court continues to serve as a bridge between children and the justice system. By giving children opportunities to become familiar with the court environment, learn about its basic processes, meet justice sector representatives, and ask questions in a supportive setting, the program contributes to greater awareness and preparedness.
For JCMPFI, child-friendly justice means more than making court facilities accessible. It also means helping children understand what to expect, recognizing their individual needs, and ensuring that their rights and well-being remain central to their encounters with the justice system.
Every opportunity to help a child become more informed, more confident in asking questions, and more familiar with the court environment contributes to this goal.
Ultimately, the purpose is not simply to teach children about courts. It is to help them understand that the justice system should be a place where their rights are respected, their voices are heard, and their well-being matters.
Justice becomes more meaningful when children are given the opportunity to understand it.
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.