Advocacy on kids’ rights intensified

CEBU, Philippines -  The Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development has intensified its advocacy on the rights of children in time for the 22nd National Children’s Month celebration this month.

This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Bata Kasali ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga,” which promotes children’s participation in nation-building.

DSWD-7 regional director Mercedita Jabagat, in a statement, said that “the theme is apt and timely as it has become nationally imperative to address issues on children.”

Jabagat further said the theme also highlights children’s rights to participation and encourages stakeholders to promote and advocate children’s involvement in decision-making process at all levels specifically at home, family and community.

DSWD said one of the highlights of the celebration is the National Children’s Congress on October 22 to 26, which aims to bring out their voices on issues that directly affect the children.

Through the congress, DSWD said that the children-participants will identify the various emerging challenges they meet and will present these to concerned government officials for appropriate solutions.

Under Presidential Proclamation 267, the month of October of every year is declared as the National Children’s Month to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within the Filipino family and in nation building.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Council for the Welfare of Children, as part of this month’s celebration, said that the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, in cooperation with DSWD and their agency, is undertaking its first search for “Exemplary Government Registered Social Workers” who worked during the super typhoon Yolanda disaster operations.

Only social workers registered with the government who were directly involved during the disaster may be nominated and they must be assigned in Regions 4B-MIMAROPA, V, VI, VII, VIII and the National Capital Region.

The objective of this award, the CWC said, is to give recognition to the exemplary social workers in the field practice of disaster response and management on child protection in emergencies, welfare and family service to super typhoon Yolanda affected areas. — NSA (FREEMAN)