We join the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in seeking to address the needs of Filipino children and how they can be protected further as National Children’s Month this year is celebrated in November.
The celebration comes at a time when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to affect children and adults as well.
We add our voice to the statement of the DSWD that they will pay attention to the difficulties experienced by children and how they can be protected while we mark their month.
The DSWD has partnered with the Council for the Welfare of Children, the National Youth Commission and other government agencies and organizations to celebrate the event, although activities will be held virtually.
The NCM, under an existing law, is an annual celebration that underlines the significance of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989.
Commemoration of the Children’s Month, themed “New Normal na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan (No One is Left Behind Under the New Normal: Focus on Children’s Rights),” is timely as we stand together with all segments of the population, not the least the children, against this monstrous pandemic.
The celebration kicked off with Talakayang Makabata (Discussions on Children): The Virtual Press Conference on Tuesday and discussed issues concerning children’s rights during the pandemic, attended by representatives from the DSWD, CWC, NYC, and other concerned agencies.
On Wednesday, the online kickoff ceremony of NCM was held and featured messages of support from children, youth leaders, national agency partners, and child rights supporters and advocates.
On all Saturdays of November, learning sessions with children will also be conducted by the CWC and Consuelo Foundation, which works on the prevention and treatment of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children, women, and their families.
On November 26, there will be culminating activities and awarding of winners of the NCM logo-making contest.
In line with children’s protection, we underscore efforts of the DSWD in emphasizing the need to address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, especially during the pandemic wherein children are not allowed to go out of their homes.
Our children deserve nothing less.