In an intimate and heartfelt session held on May 21, 2024, Hon. Judge Cecilia Bunagan-Parallag of Family Court Branch 9, Navotas City, welcomed six (6) children and four (4) adult participants from the Malabon Bahay Sandigan -Tahanan ng Batang Pinoy as part of the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP).
Joined by her Clerk of Court, stenographer, interpreter, and other court personnel, Judge Parallag personally led the session to demystify the court experience and empower the children with knowledge and encouragement.
Truth, Kindness, and Courage
Judge Parallag emphasized the value of truth-telling, courage, and respect. Her message was both profound and practical:
“Respeto sa sarili, ganun din ang pagtrato sa tumutulong sa atin. Kahit ano ang nangyari sa inyo, iiwan ito lagi. Kahit sabihin na salbahe, manghawa pa rin ng kabutihan; kahit sabihin na madamot, magbigay pa rin tayo; at kahit sabihin na simangot at bisagnot ang mukha, ngumiti pa rin tayo. Lahat ng positibo, laging isipin; huwag mag-focus sa problema, kundi mag-focus sa solusyon.”
[Respect yourself and those who help you. Whatever happened to you, leave it behind. Even if people say you’re bad, spread kindness; if they say you’re selfish, keep giving; if they say you frown too much, keep smiling. Always think positive. Don’t focus on the problem—focus on the solution.]
Her inspiring words reminded the children that while they may have endured difficult experiences, they still hold the power to choose kindness, dignity, and resilience.
Learning the Court Process Firsthand
The session featured a courtroom tour, introductions to court personnel, and demonstrations of anatomically correct dolls used in child-sensitive testimony. The Clerk of Court explained their significance in helping children communicate during legal proceedings. The court social worker also shared insights into her role, helping children understand who is on their side in the courtroom.
Children’s Voices: Courage, Joy, and Understanding
Here’s what some of the children had to say after the session:
Masaya ako dahil nalaman ko hindi pala masama si Judge (I’m happy because I found out that the judge isn’t actually mean) -female, 12 years old
Masaya ako dahil kaya ko na ipaglaban ang aking kaso (I’m happy because I can now fight for my cas) -female witness, 20 years old
Kasi sobrang saya ko may kakampi kami sa korte (I’m so happy that we have someone on our side in court) – female with developmental delay and speech problem, 21 years old
Masaya po ako kasi naglaro, kumanta at kumain po tayo (I’m happy because we played, sang, and ate together.) – female 9 years old
Support from Social Workers: Confidence Through Clarity
“The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program is very beneficial to the center, especially for children at-risk who have legal cases. Many of these children are unaware of the court processes and what to expect. This program helps them understand the court system and its procedures, providing much-needed support.”
The Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) helps dispel misconceptions caused by television dramas, such as the belief that testifying in court will lead to immediate and dramatic consequences. By providing a clearer understanding of the court process, KTCAP helps the children of Bahay Sandigan reduce their fear and increase their confidence
— Ms. Irish Z. Ilagan, Social Worker, Malabon Bahay Sandigan – Tahanan ng Batang Pinoy & Bahay Pag-asa
A Kinder, More Child-Friendly Justice System
Thanks to Judge Parallag and her compassionate team, the children of Malabon Bahay Sandigan -Tahanan ng Batang Pinoy left the court with renewed strength, understanding, and hope. The KTCAP session served not only as an educational initiative but also as a vital emotional anchor—proving that when children are seen, heard, and supported, justice becomes a truly empowering experience.
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.”