The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 initially signified its support in the launching of the 27th National Children’s Month (NCM) Celebration through the recitation of the “Panatang Makabata” of its staff in the field office.

Participants of the kick-off activity of the National Children’s Month Celebration recite the Panatang Makabata at the convocation area of the DSWD Field Office 7.

This year’s NCM celebration carries that theme “Karapatang Pambata: Patuloy na Pahalagahan at Gampanan Tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan (Children’s Rights: Uphold, Respect, and Fulfill to a Better Future.” This is anchored on the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Children (UN CRC) and the 3rd National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC) Goals which are to progressively realize the rights of the children: (1) Children have a better quality and improved way of life; Children are well nourished, have healthy lives and are active learners with good quality education; Children are safe and free from violence, abuse and exploitation; and children are actively participating in decision-making processes affecting their lives according to their evolving capacities.

The Council for the Welfare of Children has prepared activities for the month-long celebration of the NCM which include the conduct of the NCM Kick-off Activity; Holding of Advocacy/Media Fora and/or Children’s Summit; Hanging of NCM Streamers; Recitation of the “Panatang Makabata”; Conduct of Children’s Contest; Installation of Children’s Art Corner; Holding of Interactive Science Exhibit for Kids; Conduct of Traditional Games for Filipino Children; Conduct of Puppet/Film Showing; Installation of Photo Booth for Children; and the Installation of Kids Freedom Wall.

In full support to the activities spearheaded by the CWC, the DSWD-7 through its Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) is holding its kick-off activity of the 2019 NCM today, November 9, 2019 which includes the discussion on Inclusive Education and Online/Digital Safety for Children that will be participated in by the selected children from the Department of Education (DepEd), Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP), Forge Inc., Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB), World Vision, RCWC council members and the Child Development Workers . Apart from that, the field office will also be doing various TV and Radio appearance to intensify public awareness on the rights of children and remind all sectors of the community to be responsible in protecting the Filipino children at all cost.

On November 28, 2019, to culminate the 2019 NCM celebration, a Regional Children’s Contest will be held, showcasing the talents of children from different cities and municipalities of the Central Visayas region. ###

(87) Views