IJECE Published Articles

Abstract This study employed a qualitative document and narrative analysis to examine how juvenile justice reform, school feeding programs, and basic educational access in the Philippines contribute to child-centered societal transformation. A total of 100 policy documents, including laws, government reports, and program guidelines, were systematically analyzed using thematic coding and narrative interpretation. The findings revealed that these policy domains collectively construct a coherent child-centered narrative, positioning children as rights holders whose protection, development, and well-being are fundamental state responsibilities. Key themes identified across documents include protection, equity, access, governance, and development, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to child welfare. Despite strong policy alignment, a persistent gap between policy intent and implementation was observed. The analysis showed that while policies promote integrated and child-centered frameworks at the national level, fragmentation remains evident in governance structures, inter-agency coordination, and service delivery systems. Dominant narratives frame children as rights-bearing individuals, developmental investments, and vulnerable yet capable actors, aligning with global development agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Anchored in Ecological Systems Theory, the study highlights a disconnection between the macrosystem, where integrated policy intentions are articulated, and the mesosystem, where institutional coordination occurs. The study concludes that advancing child-centered societal transformation in the Philippines requires strengthened governance mechanisms, enhanced cross-sector collaboration, and more integrated service delivery systems. These measures are necessary to translate policy coherence into sustained improvements in children’s lived experiences.