Family Court Branch 15, Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Led by Hon. Judge Zarah R. Sanchez-Fernandez
June 13, 2025 • 10:00 a.m.
A New Partnership for Child Empowerment
The Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Foundation, Inc. (JCMPF) proudly welcomed a new partner in its implementation of the Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) — Family Court Branch 15 of Dagupan City, Pangasinan, under the leadership of Hon. Judge Zarah R. Sanchez-Fernandez.
Joining this special session was the Lost Coin Ministries Foundation, Inc. (LCMFI), represented by its Program Director, Atty. Mary Grace Canda, a dedicated social worker. The online activity featured a court awareness session, role-play exercises, and an actual court tour guided by Judge Sanchez-Fernandez, Atty. Allan Basto (Clerk of Court V), and court personnel.
About Lost Coin Ministries Foundation
Atty. Canda introduced LCMFI as a Christ-centered non-profit organization that provides care and protection for survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
Its mission is to offer a safe shelter, education, life skills, and spiritual guidance to lead survivors toward healing and transformation through God’s Word and a loving community.
📈 Current Reach: From 12 clients at its start, Lost Coin now shelters 41 girls, all rescued from OSAEC cases.
Programs and Services include:
• Welcome homes for initial adjustment before integration into boys’ and girls’ houses
• Spiritual guidance and life skills training
• Enrollment in regular public schools (many are honor students)
• Health and wellness checks, including HIV and syphilis screening test
• A pavilion for group activities and recreation
Legal Challenges in OSAEC Cases
Atty. Canda shared the harsh realities faced by OSAEC survivors, including:
• Perpetrators: About 90% of cases involve parents, often mothers, who groom their children to think exploitation is “normal” and necessary for survival.
• Court Dilemmas: Many children struggle to see their parents as abusers and may defend them in court.
• Trauma in Testimonies: Repeatedly recounting abuse during investigations and hearings often re-traumatizes the child.
These challenges emphasize the importance of child-friendly and trauma-informed court procedures that protect children from further harm.
Inside the Court: A Safe Space for Children
The orientation introduced children to child-friendly court environments and included:
• A Children’s Corner with toys and drawing area for children to relax and feel comfortable
• Clear explanations of court roles — judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and staff
• A mock trial role-play where children experienced the court process safely
Through this activity, the children learned that the courtroom is not a place to fear, but a place where they can speak the truth and be heard.
Court Officials’ Participation
Atty. Allan Basto, Clerk of Court V, welcomed participants and expressed his appreciation for their presence. The session began with a prayer, followed by Judge Sanchez-Fernandez’s engaging explanation of court procedures using simple and relatable examples.
Children’s Reflections
“Natuto ako kung paano maging matapang kapag pupunta ka sa korte.”
(“I learned how to be brave when going to court.”)
“Dapat huwag matakot, magkuwento ng mga nangyari sa akin at dapat magsabi ng totoo.”
(“I should not be afraid to tell my story and must speak the truth.”)
Feedback from Social Workers
“The activity was effective in preparing the children and familiarizing them with the court proceedings. Thank you for providing this service to our children.”
— Ms. Lovely F. Galura, RSW, Social Worker, LCMFI
Final Thought
The KTCAP session in Dagupan City demonstrated how collaboration among the judiciary, foundations, and child-care institutions can build a safer and more compassionate justice system for children.
Through awareness, exposure, and support, child survivors learn courage, understand their rights, and face the courtroom with confidence and hope.
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.”