NLEX Corporation reinforces its road safety initiatives by partnering with relevant government agencies that also champion the safety and welfare of the public, including children.

The company has tapped the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) to discuss the various policies and processes to protect the welfare of children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL).

“Over the years, we have been coordinating with government agencies as part of our efforts to prevent stoning incidents and other prohibited acts along the NLEX-SCTEX for the safety of the motorists traveling our expressways,” said NLEX Corporation President J. Luigi L. Bautista. He added, “in partnering with JJWC, we aim to enhance our measures to strengthen our alliance with the LGUs and promote the rights of children.”

JJWC and NLEX Corp gathered more than 200 local officials and barangay leaders from NLEX-SCTEX host communities in Metro Manila and Central Luzon in an orientation on integrated care management protocol (ICMP) to better handle CAR and CICL cases.

The orientation intends to educate officials of local government units (LGUs) on procedures in handling and protecting the rights of CAR and CICL and deliver effective solutions to address the concerns involving minors.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte highlighted that the local government of Quezon City recognizes the youth as its most valuable resource and has been empowering them with programs that will help them have a bright future.

“We have education and healthcare services along with youth development projects at the barangay level that aim to keep them engaged and productive. This initiative by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council and NLEX Corporation will help balance safety in our city while advocating for the welfare of our children at risk and children in conflict with the law,” she said.

Pulilan, Bulacan Mayor Maritz Ochoa Montejo acknowledged that this road safety effort is vital for the protection of both motorists and children, saying “kami ay nagpapasalamat sa NLEX-SCTEX at JJWC for initiating this event. Ang kaligtasan ng motorista ay mahalaga at ito ay dapat na patuloy na alagaan.” She also mentioned that her LGU continues to conduct capacity building activities for children in relation to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC).

With the program also aiming to encourage LGUs to issue legislation involving minors, Dinalupihan Vice Mayor Fernando Manalili said, “Kami po sa aming bayan ay tutulong para makapagpatibay ng isang ordinansa dito sa anti-stoning incident para maprotektahan ang ating mga manlalakbay sa NLEX-SCTEX.”

Appreciative of the positive outcome of the safety program, JJWC Executive Director Atty. Tricia Clare A. Oco said, “JJWC is grateful to NLEX Corporation for this collaboration of wits, resources, and passion between the government and the private sector to pursue the welfare of children. We at JJWC hope that this collaboration will lead to stronger ties, better inter-barangay partnerships, safer homes, and brighter future for our children dahil sa Juvenile Justice Law, ang bawat isa ay kaisa sa pagkamit ng pagbabago.”