MANILA, Philippines - In observance of the 22nd National Children’s Month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said yesterday it is set to solicit the committed support of stakeholders and business companies in upholding the rights of children and protecting them against abuse.
Yesterday morning, the DSWD kicked off the month with an awareness walk for children’s rights with the theme “Bata Kasali Ka, Ikaw Ang Mahalaga” at Rizal Park in Manila.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Teodulo Romo Jr., also the officer-in-charge of their National Capital Region (NCR) office, admitted that children still fall victim to trafficking, child labor and life on the streets taking illegal drugs or involved in criminal activities.
However, Romo said that on Oct. 9 they will hold a meeting of stakeholders, including the national government, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations, “and we would review the situation and the interventions. Toward the end of October, we would have a planning with companies that have outreach programs to those in need.”
During the meeting, these businesses with corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, would be asked if they could commit to supporting projects that would uplift the conditions of less fortunate children, such as education, housing, additional sources of income for the child’s parents and health care.
Romo said this was not the first time that they joined hands with the private sector.