After the twin observance of remembering and paying homage to the dead (Nov. 1 and 2), the next important event in the month of November is the National Children’s Month,
The Council for Women and Children (CWC), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, formulates policies and monitors and evaluates the implementation of laws, programs, or projects for children and youth below 18 years old.
As such, this agency is basically in charge of activities related to the National Children’s Month, while other departments having to do with the upkeep, physical and mental development of children such as the Department of Education (DepEd) are its co-organizers.
‘In this age of modern computer technology, the Internet and the ubiquitous gadgets that are already in the hands of many children, there is a felt need for parents to be trained on how to recognize red flags…’
Republic Act No. 10661, titled “An Act Declaring the Month of November of Every Year as the National Children’s Month,” mandates DepEd to facilitate and encourage the celebration of the National Children’s Month (NCM) in all public and private schools nationwide.
This law upholds the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on Nov. 20, 1989 and seeks to instill its significance in the consciousness of Filipinos.
The 32nd observance of the NCM this month will focus on violence against children, with the theme “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.”
Both the CWC and DepEd recognize the importance of equipping parents with knowledge that would further protect their children from harm, particularly from abuses and violence online. Thus, the CWC will hold its 7th Conference on Parenting in the Digital Age on Nov. 25.
The CWC will also join the House of Representatives on Nov. 18-21 and set up booths featuring the council’s mandate, the Makabata Helpline, and informative materials relevant to advocating for safe spaces for children and youth sectors.
In this age of modern computer technology, the Internet and the ubiquitous gadgets that are already in the hands of many children, there is a felt need for parents to be trained on how to recognize red flags when something is amiss in this area of parenting, the better to take timely or preventive measures.
The council also called for a unified approach to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), pointing out that government officials, parents, families, communities, and media influencers must work together to ensure that children’s rights are respected and upheld at all times.
It will also launch the 4th National Plan of Action for Children which will contain the comprehensive government policy document for 2023 to 2028.
The action plan will feature a multi-sectoral, rights-based approach aimed at progressively advancing children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation across the Philippines.
This November, government offices and schools will once again cite and reiterate the 10 key children’s rights, which are the fundamental right to life and identity, family, education, development, food, shelter, leisure, protection from abuse and violence, a peaceful community, governmental assistance and expression.
Most of these rights are for society’s adults to observe, respect, and provide.
