The Safeguarding Ministry of RCAC

11/05/2026

𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐌𝐎𝐔)
On May 10, 2026, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu (RCAC-SGM), in partnership with Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children, Inc. (SPCC-Cebu), officially renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the presence of the Archbishop of Cebu, Alberto Uy, D.D., held at the Archbishop's Palace.

The MOU was jointly signed by Most Rev. Alberto Uy, D.D., Archbishop of Cebu; Sr. Irma Caumeran, SDS - SDS Regional Superior & SPCC President; Rev. Fr. Sherwin Leo Ferrater, RCAC-Safeguarding Ministry Coordinator; and Ms. Emma Santillan, RSW, SPCC-Cebu Program Director.

This meaningful renewal strengthens our shared commitment to safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults, promoting child protection, and building safer, child-friendly communities within the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Together, we continue to uphold the dignity, safety, and well-being of every child and vulnerable person through faith, service, and compassionate action.

Present during the signing were the SPCC Team and the Sisters of the Divine Savior (SDS), as witnesses of this continuing mission of protection and partnership. 🙏💙

19/04/2026

𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮 – 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 (𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐂-𝐂𝐑𝐀) 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
On April 16, 2026, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, a Child Rights Advocates (CRA) Formation Session was conducted at Virgen De Los Remedios Parish, Cebu City in collaboration with SPCC-Cebu.

Ms. Emma Santillan, RSW, facilitated the session on Pertinent Laws and Child Protective Measures, with emphasis on R.A. 10627 (Anti-bullying) and Online Safety. A total of 15 volunteers—comprising 6 adult females and 9 youth volunteers (2 males and 7 females)—actively participated in the formation.

This initiative strengthens the capacity of parish volunteers to respond to child protection concerns and promotes safer environments for children both offline and online. Through ongoing formation and collaboration, the Safeguarding Ministry continues to empower communities as active partners in upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of every child.

19/03/2026

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
On March 17, 2026, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu – Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults Ministry conducted an Evaluation of Activities and Programs and Planning Session at the Cebu Center for Ignatian Spirituality, Inc., Good Shepherd Road, Banawa Hills, Cebu City.

The gathering provided an opportunity to assess the ministry’s ongoing initiatives, reflect on best practices, and strategically plan future programs to further strengthen safeguarding efforts within the Archdiocese. The session also highlighted the importance of continuous evaluation, shared responsibility, and proactive planning in sustaining and enhancing safeguarding efforts for the welfare and dignity of all.

A total of 11 safeguarding ministry members participated in the activity, composed of 6 safeguarding priests, 2 religious sisters, and 3 lay members, demonstrating a unified commitment to the mission of protection and care.

11/01/2026

𝐉𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu – Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults Ministry, led by Rev. Fr. Sherwin Ferrater, together with the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children (SPCC) - Cebu team and Sr. Ruth Baguinon, SDS - SPCC National Executive Director, were granted an audience with Cebu Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy on January 9, 2026, at the Archbishop's Residence Compound, D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City.

During the meeting, the Safeguarding Ministry Program was presented, along with SPCC's partnership, formation initiatives, and ongoing activities. The dialogue reaffirmed a shared commitment to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and well-being of minors and vulnerable adults within the Church and the community.

14/12/2025

𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 | 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 ✨🎄

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu – Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults Ministry (RCAC-SGM) held its Child Rights Advocates Christmas Fellowship on December 13, 2025, at the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of San Nicolas Parish Social Hall, Cebu City, bringing together CRA youth from various partner parishes for an afternoon of prayer, gratitude, and joyful celebration.

The fellowship was attended by 22 CRA youth representatives (7 males and 15 females) and was graced by the presence and active participation of Rev. Fr. Sherwin Ferrater and Rev. Fr. Benjamin Trazo. The activity served as a heartfelt thanksgiving for the CRA youth’s dedication, commitment, and invaluable support to the Safeguarding Ministry, while also celebrating the true spirit of the Christmas season.

We gratefully acknowledge the invaluable support and facilitation of the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children – Cebu (SPCC-Cebu) team, whose partnership and service continue to strengthen our mission of safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of children and vulnerable adults.

Daghang salamat sa tanan nga miapil ug mitampo sa kalampusan sa maong kalihokan. 💛

17/11/2025

14/11/2025

𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮 – 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 (𝐑𝐂𝐀𝐂-𝐂𝐑𝐀) 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Through the support of the SPCC-Cebu team, RCAC-CRA parish volunteers and Educational Assistance Program (EAP) beneficiaries were able to attend the formation on Pertinent Laws and Child Protective Measures, focusing on RA 7610, facilitated by Ms. Irish Victoria Ohayas, RSW, on November 13, 2025 at the Alliance of Two Hearts Parish, Banawa.

The session was participated in by EAP parent beneficiaries and RCAC-CRA volunteers, strengthening their understanding of child protection.

09/11/2025

𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu (RCAC) – Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults Ministry, in partnership with the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children, Inc. (SPCC-Cebu), successfully held the 4th Archdiocesan Children's Congress on November 8, 2025, at the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Gym, C. Padilla St., Cebu City.

Anchored on the theme“Children of Hope: With Faith and Love, Stand for Child Rights" the congress gathered more than 250 children, RCAC-CRA adult and youth volunteers, and community members in a celebration of faith, resilience, and child empowerment.

The event commenced with the Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Sherwin Leo Ferrater (Safeguarding Ministry Coordinator), with Rev. Fr. Benjamin Trazo, and Rev. Fr. Christian James Mayol concelebrating. This was followed by the Acknowledgment of Participants and the formal opening of the program, moderated by Mr. John Joseph Dela Corta and Ms. Anna Marie Puzon.

The congress aimed to strengthen children's awareness of their rights and responsibilities in the family, school, Church, and community, in light of their dignity as children of God. It encouraged them to actively care for and support fellow children, live out their faith through compassion and solidarity, and become Child Rights Advocates who promote safety and well-being within their surroundings.

In response to recent calamities, the activity also provided a safe and nurturing space for children to process and debrief their experiences from the earthquake and typhoon. Through guided reflection, creative expression, and sharing, participants were supported in their journey toward emotional healing and resilience, grounded in hope, faith, and mutual care.

The 4th Archdiocesan Children's Congress stands as a testament to the Church's ongoing commitment to fostering communities where every child is valued, protected, and heard.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, adult guardians, youth facilitators, and staff who made this meaningful gathering possible. Together, we continue to build a safe, faith-filled, and child-friendly Church. 💙

08/11/2025

NOVEMBER 2025 UPDATE | SPFY Safeguarding Modules
The SPFY seminarians recently completed their module on Safeguarding, focusing on the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. The sessions were held on different dates at the Spiritual Pastoral Formation Year (SPFY) House, Archbishop's Residence Compound, D. Jakosalem St., Cebu City.

On November 3, 2025, the first day of the module featured discussions led by Rev. Fr. Ben Trazo, who presented the development of safeguarding programs in the Archdiocese of Cebu. He emphasized the Victim-First Policy, the reporting mechanisms for clerical sexual abuse, and the pastoral dimensions of safeguarding.

On November 5, 2025, representatives from the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children (SPCC-Cebu) facilitated the second day, providing an overview of their Child Protection Program. Key topics included the Parish-Based Child Protection Program and the formations of Child Rights Advocates in the parishes.

On November 6, 2025, the final day, Rev. Fr. Sherwin Leo Ferrater, JCL, shared his insights on the legal aspects of child protection, discussing both Canon and Civil laws. His expertise enriched the seminarians' understanding of the legal framework underpinning safeguarding within the Church.

To culminate the module, the seminarians engaged in a reflective exercise, drafting their personal safeguarding policies and recommendations. This activity allowed them to apply their learnings and to discern how they can promote effective safeguarding practices in their future ministries.

Let us continue to pray for our seminarians as they seek wisdom and guidance through this important formation. May they grow into ministers who foster a safe, welcoming, and compassionate Church community for all.

29/10/2025

𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu – Child Rights Advocates (RCAC-CRA) youth volunteers gathered for a planning and finalization meeting in preparation for the upcoming 4th Archdiocesan Children’s Congress on November 8, 2025.

The session focused on the program flow, games and mechanics, and task assignments, with guidance and facilitation from the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children (SPCC) – Cebu Staff.

A total of sixteen (16) youth volunteers — five (5) males and eleven (11) females — participated in the activity held at the 4th Floor, Cebu Caritas Building, P. Gomez St., Cebu City.

The RCAC-CRA youth continue to embody commitment, creativity, and teamwork as they prepare for a meaningful and child-centered celebration of this year’s Children’s Congress.

10/10/2025

STRENGTH IN COMPASSION | Together, We Care and Share
In the wake of the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Northern Cebu, families continue to rebuild their lives with courage and faith. Through the kindness of many hearts, the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children (SPCC-Cebu) in partnership with SDS Philippine Region, Salvatorian School, Inc. (SSI), and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu (RCAC)-Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults Ministry extended help to affected families on October 7, 2025, reaching those most in need with care and compassion.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors for their generous support of the relief efforts. This initiative was made possible through the generous cash and in-kind donations from SPCC National Office, the RCAC-Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults Ministry, SSI, the Sisters of the Divine Savior (SDS) – Philippines, and our families, friends, and partners. 💙

Each relief pack carried not just food or essentials, but also a message of hope — that in times of hardship, we are never alone. Faith, solidarity, and love remain the strongest foundations of every community. 🙏

Daghang Salamat to everyone who became part of this mission of love and service. May our shared compassion continue to uplift lives and strengthen hearts that believe. 💛✨