On September 5, 2025, Honorable Loralie C. Datahan of Branch 69 Taguig City warmly welcomed the children and ensured a comfortable and non-intimidating environment throughout the activity. During the visit, the Family Court conducted a comprehensive Kids and Teens Court Awareness Program (KTCAP) session for participants from Onesimo Foundation – Tondo Boys.
The KTCAP aimed to introduce the children to the role of the court in the administration of justice. Participants were provided with an overview of the key individuals involved in court proceedings and were oriented on the significance of the judicial process. The session covered essential topics, including the role and purpose of the court, the importance of child participation in the justice system, the introduction of the people in court and the basic procedures observed inside the courtroom.
The children learned the importance of obeying the law, respecting the rights of others—especially the rights of children—and practicing kindness and responsibility in their daily lives. They gained awareness that harmful actions and wrongdoing may lead to serious consequences, including legal accountability, even at a young age. The session also emphasized that children who experience or witness abuse should not be afraid to seek help from trusted adults, barangay officials, or law enforcement authorities.
Most importantly, the participants understood the value of honesty, particularly in court proceedings, as well as the importance of listening to guidance from elders and treating others with respect. These lessons contribute to fostering a safer, more just, and compassionate community.
Overall, the activity proved to be a meaningful and educational experience. Through the KTCAP session, the children developed a clearer understanding of the justice system and the vital role of courts in upholding fairness and protecting rights. The program reinforced positive values such as truthfulness, respect for the law, and the courage to seek help when faced with abuse or injustice.
KTCAP Learnings from Onesimo Tondo Boys
From the boys’ responses, the following key learnings emerged:
• Obedience to the Law – The children recognized the importance of following rules and laws to avoid negative consequences, including involvement in court proceedings or detention.
• Respect and Kindness – They emphasized treating others with respect, avoiding harm, and promoting peaceful relationships.
• Accountability – The participants understood that even children can be held responsible for their actions if they violate the law.
• Seeking Help – They learned that in cases of abuse or wrongdoing, it is important to report to trusted adults, barangay officials, or the police.
• Honesty in Court – The children highlighted the importance of telling the truth, especially when speaking before a judge.
• Awareness of Children’s Rights – They gained awareness that children have rights and should be protected from abuse and harm.
• Proper Court Behavior – The participants noted the importance of showing respect inside the courtroom, including proper behavior and attentiveness.
Feedback from the Participants
Child 1
Ang natutunan ko po ay huwag tayong gumawa ng masama sa kapwa natin. Sumunod sa batas para hindi tayo mapunta sa court, at huwag sumuway sa batas para hindi tayo makulong, upang makapamuhay tayo nang payapa.
Child 2
Ang natutunan ko po ay marunong tayong makinig, huwag maging makulit, at sumunod sa mga batas upang hindi tayo makasuhan at makulong. Tumulong tayo sa kapwa natin kung alam natin na siya ay inaabuso ng ibang tao, at i-share natin ang mga natutunan natin upang malaman din ng ibang tao kung ano ang tamang gawin.
Child 3
Ang natutunan ko ay kung ikaw ay inaabuso ng kapwa mo, maaari kang lumapit sa barangay o sa pulis upang ikaw ay matulungan. Kung ikaw naman ay nasa paglilitis, magsabi ng totoo sa judge. Huwag kang mang-abuso.
Child 4
Ang natutunan ko po ay kung ano ang karapatan ng bata, at kahit bata pa lamang ay puwede nang magkaroon ng kaso. Huwag manakit ng kasama o kapwa, at kapag nasa loob ka ng korte ay huwag kang tatawa at magsabi ng katotohanan.
Child 5
Ang natutunan ko po ay huwag tayong sumuway sa batas at huwag tayong gagawa ng masama sa ibang tao upang hindi tayo mapunta sa korte at magkaroon ng kaso. Maraming itinuro ang judge, at isa na doon kung sino ang dapat lapitan kapag ikaw ay inaabuso o ang ibang tao ang nakaranas ng pang-aabuso.
Child 6
Ang natutunan ko po sa judge ay huwag tayong gumawa ng masama para hindi tayo mapunta sa korte. Huwag din tayong mang-abuso ng ating kapwa. Kung ikaw naman ay nakakaranas ng pang-aabuso, huwag tayong matakot na magsumbong sa mga nakatatanda o sa alagad ng batas.
Child 7
Ang natutunan ko sa loob ng korte ay huwag kang gumawa ng masama upang hindi ka mapunta doon. Humingi ng tulong o magtanong sa mga nakatatanda o sa alagad ng batas upang ikaw ay mapayuhan at magkaroon ng bagong kaalaman.
Child 8
Ang natutunan ko ay ang lahat ng bata ay may karapatan na sabihin ang lahat ng sakit o naranasan niya sa ibang tao, at kahit bata pa lamang ay puwede nang makulong kung hindi ito susunod sa batas. Sumunod at huwag matakot kapag nasa loob ka ng korte.
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.”