The BCPC shall be composed of “responsible members of the community� which may include anybody with the capability and the commitment to provide voluntary service for the welfare of children. This makes the composition of the BCPC inclusive, rather than exclusive. Hence, the criteria for membership may be negotiated and agreed upon by proponents and advocates of BCPC. They just have to also bear in mind that the formation process of the council and the selection of its members should contribute to social cohesion and not lead to community division. In particular, the CWC has come out with the following list of those who may be considered as members of the BCPC (Manual on Organizing LCPC, 2001).6 1. The Punong Barangay, who may act as chairperson 2. The chairperson of the Sangguniang Kabataan, who may act as vice-chairperson 3. The representative of the municipality/city government concerned with the welfare of children and operating in the barangay. 4. The representative of each NGOs concerned with the welfare of children and operating in the barangay. 5. An active and responsible member of the community. 6. An active member from each of the people’s organizations in the barangay 7. A representative from DepED, DOH and human rights groups, and 8. A child advocate, duly chosen by the barangay officials whose age ranges from 9 to 14 years old. The DILG Memorandum Circular 2002-121 (2002) provides that the following duty-bearers in the barangay may also be chosen to serve in the council: 1. Barangay kagawad (chairperson on women and family) 2. Day care worker 3. Nutrition scholar 4. Health worker 5. Health nurse/midwife 6. DepEd principal/teacher-in-charge 7. Chief tanod 8. PTCA president or representative 9. Entrepreneurs and religious leaders The BCPC is mediated by the Barangay Council. But this does not mean that it has to be beholden to it. By practice, the Punong Barangay is usually asked to chair the BCPC. However, the BCPC may also elect from among themselves the co-chair.
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According to the CWC (Lee Aguila, 2006), while the manual has listed down the likely members of the BCPC, the stakeholders are given a space to be flexible and inclusive, in accordance with the characteristics and needs of the community. The list is for guidance and does not have to be mechanically applied. The competence, willingness, commitment and social-acceptability of the prospective members should be among the criteria. The manual, as of this period, is undergoing revisions.
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