BAGUIO CITY — The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has expressed deep concern over a notable surge in child abuse cases within the city, prompting the  urgent need for appropriate interventions targeting both the families of the victims and the identified perpetrators.

A statement issued by the city information office said that Cynthia Langagan, CSWDO assistant city social welfare and development officer, had disclosed a staggering 96 child abuse cases reported during the first six months of this year.

This figure is alarmingly higher compared to the 45 cases recorded throughout the entire year of 2022.

Analysis of the data further revealed a shift in the dynamics of child abuse incidents.

According to the statement, Langagan said that instances of children in conflict with the law declined, with only 36 cases reported in the first semester of this year, compared to the 82 cases documented by the CSWDO throughout the entirety of last year.

Conversely, the number of cases involving children at risk increased to 15 for the first six months of this year, compared to the 43 cases reported in the previous year.

The statement said that Langagan also disclosed that a significant portion of the children requiring special protection come from dysfunctional families, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance the local government’s advocacy on family relations.

Recognizing the importance of preserving healthy family dynamics, the statement said that the CSWDO has called upon the local government to take proactive measures in organizing forums and workshops in collaboration with various offices and barangays.

These initiatives aim to educate residents about nurturing and maintaining strong family bonds.

Furthermore, Langagan said the CSWDO will rely on case studies conducted by different unit offices within their department to develop effective interventions aimed at reducing child abuse incidents in the city.

She said these studies will serve as a valuable foundation for the local government in formulating appropriate and targeted actions to address the issue in the coming months.