Support National Children’s Month in Nov., LGUs told

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/261445924964/support-national-children-s-month-in-nov-lgus-told
• Tuesday, October 27, 2015

By Jerome R. Paunan

MANILA, Oct. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is enjoining all local chief executives (LCEs) across the country to support and spearhead the National Children’s Month (NCM) Celebration in their respective jurisdictions this November.

This year’s theme, (End child abuse now, community and government unite.) “Komunidad at Pamahalaan Magkaisa, Pang-aabuso sa Bata, Wakasan Na,” highlights the protection of children against all forms of abuse and discrimination, and encourages stakeholders to promote as well as advocate protection of children in the family, school, community, and other settings.

In a directive to LCEs, DILG Secretary Mel Senen S. Sarmiento is instructing all LCEs to conduct relevant undertakings within the month of November to support the celebration such as:

Participation in the NCM major activities

Displaying of tarpaulins or streamers

Posting of activities in the LGU’s website

Conduct of a fora on Child Protection

Media publicity

Parade/motorcade

Contest of talents for children

“Ang pakikiisa ng ating mga pamahalaang lokal ay mahalaga sa ating kampanya sa pagtataguyod ng “child-sensitive” at “child-friendly” LGUs,” said Sarmiento. (The cooperation of all our local government units is vital in our campaign to establish child-sensitive and child-friendly LGUs.)

In line with the celebration, the DILG joined the NCM kick-off event spearheaded by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) in partnership with SM Cares entitled “Zumbata on Child Protection” held recently at the SM North EDSA Skydome, Quezon City.

The event also featured the launching of the Children’s Write to Rights advocacy containing the “One Million Lapis Campaign” and the announcement of the country’s participation to set a Guinness World Record for the longest line of pencils.

Other activities during the month-long celebration include the following: Press Conference on November 6; Launch of the Story Book on Children on November 12; Showcase of Talents on Child Protection at SM Skydome with the performance of Asia’s Got Talent grand winner El Gamma Penumbra; and National Summit on Children (culminating event) on November 20, 2015.

Republic Act 10661, otherwise known as “National Children’s Month Act,” which was enacted into a law last May 2015, has declared November of every year as National Children’s Month.

The declaration commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989 and seeks to inculcate its significance in the Filipino consciousness. Previously, the NCM is celebrated October of every year.