Gatchalian: Campaign against violence extends beyond ‘National Children’s Month’
By Maricel V. Cruz
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured that the agency will continue campaigning against all forms of violence toward children.
The DSWD chief stressed the need for collaboration among partners and stakeholders to advocate for more robust measures to protect all children from various forms of abuse.
“Even as we conclude this month-long celebration, our fight to end violence against children will continue,” Gatchalian said in his message, delivered by Director Grace Arboladura of the Office of the Undersecretary for International Affairs and Attached and Supervised Agencies at the end of the 13th National Children’s Month celebration held in Quezon City.
“This year’s National Children’s Month marked a significant milestone in promoting the rights and welfare of Filipino children,” Gatchalian said.
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), an attached agency of the DSWD, led the NCM celebration and conducted various activities across four thematic areas: survival rights, development rights, participation rights, and protection rights.
These were designed to advocate for and strengthen preventive measures and programs to end all forms of violence against children.
Republic Act 10661 designates November as National Children’s Month to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on November 20, 1989.
The Philippines is a signatory to the CRC, the first binding universal treaty dedicated solely for the protection and promotion of children’s rights. This year’s NCM celebration featured the theme “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.”
In his message, Gatchalian bared some critical child protection initiatives launched in Valenzuela City on November 14.
One of these is the 4th National Plan for Children (NPAC), a six-year strategic framework developed in consultation with various sectors and stakeholders to enhance the well-being of all Filipino children.
Another initiative is the Local Council for the Protection of Children Toolkit. This comprehensive guide helps local government units (LGUs) create their Local Development and Investment Plans, local codes, and State of Children Reports, all of which aim to promote child-friendly governance.
Gatchalian praised the DSWD’s various partners for making the month-long celebration successful. These partners included local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations, academia, private stakeholders, parents, and children.
