26th National Children’s Month Kick-Off
In the observance of the 26th National Children’s Month (NCM), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7 conducted the Awareness and Advocacy Walk as a kick-off activity for this month-long celebration which started from Plaza Sugbu to Cebu Capitol Grounds on Saturday, Nov.10, 2018.
The NCM is pursuant to the Republic Act No. 10661 which declares November as the National Children’s Month with this year’s theme “Movember to Positive Parenting” or “Isulong: Tamang Pag-aaruga Para sa Lahat ng Bata.” A short program was held at the Cebu Capitol Grounds with the following
participating agencies and organizations: PNP Band, PRO 7, Day Care workers from; Cebu Province, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Talisay City and Danao City, Children’s Legal Bureau, Feed the Children Philippines, Inc., RAFI, World Vision Development Foundation Inc., FORGE Inc., The Share A Child Movement Inc., DILG, DepED, DOH, NYC, NNC, CHR, DOLE, DOJ, DA, NCIP, NEDA, NAPC, DTI, DOST, NTC, PIA, TESDA, PSA, POPCOM, OCD, BJMP and AFP.
Before the walk started, the Department of Health (DOH) organized a zumba dance in Plaza Sugbu to prepare the participants.
During the program, invited children and day care workers showcased their talents in singing and dancing. Dylene Jee Polea, the 2018 Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children Regional winner belted out a heartwarming song for the invocation, which sets the mood of the participants and a fitting start for the program.
A day care parent from Brgy. Talamban, Mr. Allain Kris Pacatan emphasized the importance of communication with children as one of the important tools in disciplining. He said “Kung di ta mauwaw makig-istorya sa ubang tawo, mas angay nga di ta mauwaw sa atong kaugalingong mga anak (If we are not ashamed to talk to other people, the more we should not be ashamed to communicate with our own
kids)”.
Also, Dylene’s parent’s Mr. and Mrs. Darwin and Elizabeth Polea talked about how proud they are of their daughter and will not stop supporting her.
Atty. Noemi Truya-Abarientos of Children’s Legal Bureau, admitted that until now she is still understanding about her children especially the teenager.
Atty. Arvin Odron from Commission on Human Rights (CHR) talked about the rights of the child who is 18 years and below, that means unborn fetus in the mother’s womb are considered children and thus need to be protected as well. He added that “This advocacy should not end in November, as long as the children needs us”.
Another song filled the air as Mr. Jubabe C. Sabornido of DSWD region 7 sang a meaningful song about children.
Finally, everyone grooved to the beat as a Flash mob dance concluded the event.
