Dignity, Potentials, and Rights: Cultural Definitions of the Best Interest of the Child Documenting the Good Practices of Kaugmaon and Tambayan in Davao City in Upholding the Best Interest Principle
Faye A. G. Balanon; Jay A. Yacat
Program on Psychosocial Trauma and Human Rights- UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies; Save the Children (UK) Philippines
E-mail: pstcids@edsamail.com.ph scukphilrowena@mydestiny.net

The paper documents the experiences of two NGOs in Davao City, the TAMBAYAN Center for the Care of Abused Children and KAUGMAON Center for Children's Concern, in upholding the best interest principle of the UN CRC within their local context. It looks at how culture affects the definition of children's best interest through the eyes of the children, parents, and NGO workers. It was noted that there were differences in the views of the participants on what is considered to be best for the children. Also, the role of the NGOs in promoting and upholding the UN CRC are emphasized. Recommendations include continuing and improving holistic programs for the children and dialogues between children, parents, community, and the NGOs.