Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
Video Credits: School of Social Sciences, ESWQUB via YouTube
I truly miss the time when I was still assigned in the municipality where I directly interact with the local government unit and the community. Oftentimes, I would receive invitations to join activities being conducted by the different sectors and organizations as well as the councils in the municipality. I was almost always present in different gatherings. Expect to see me as part of the activities related to peace and order, disaster risk reduction and management, planning activities, meeting and conferences and even during the opening and inaugurations of some buildings and establishments. Of course, that includes activities related to children.
Memories of the Celebration
This shirt was given to me during the Children's month celebration activity. Theme translation "Promote quality Education for all Children".
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
Being a member of the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC), it is one of my duties to help the other officers and the whole council in planning the activities related to children especially in terms of protection. One of the mandates of the government is the conduct of the Children's Month celebration as stated in Republic Act 10661. I was assigned to conduct the leadership training for student council members. Being a trainer, I gladly accepted the tasks incumbent upon me. I have an advanced knowledge in creating presentations so I volunteered in creating the design for the Quiz Bee. I really wanted to get away with the old way of quiz bee contests wherein the emcee would read the questions and the students will give their answers. It was an avenue for me to showcase some skills.
This is a screenshot of the presentation I used during the QUIZ BEE. I can still remember the excitement which filled the place during the event.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
I incorporated the questions in a powerpoint presentation where the choices are flashed after the question followed by the timer and the correct answer. I can still remember the excitement of the children during the activity. I just love the way they had reacted every time the timer would run after each question. The mixed emotions shown on their faces is an indication that they are enjoying the activity. The positive reactions I received after that activity was truly a heartwarming experience.
Below was one of the photos of the student council officers from the different schools in the municipality during the conduct of the Leadership Training. We know that children can easily get bored with long discussions and lectures. What we did is to create an activity that would require most interaction from the participants.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
The Leadership training was equally successful. Most activities were incorporated in a game which made the children more participative. The activity had gained praises from parents and teachers.
Here is a snapshot of the presentation which discusses the rights of the children. The speaker was a friend from a Non-Government Agency, EDUCO.
Image Credits: Sharon Lopez via Bitlanders
But that was a year ago. Yes, I feel sad when I remember those events. But nonetheless, the memories will live in my heart and I am glad to be part of their lives. Now is another Children's Month celebration and although I am not anymore assigned to the municipality, children's concerns are still part of the programs I am handling.
November is Children's Month
Pursuant to Republic Act 10661 signed by the then President, Benigno Aquino Jr, declaring the month of November as National Children's Month. This year's theme, "Bata, Iligtas sa Droga" (Save the children from drugs) is aligned with the President's campaign against the illegal drug. DILG Memorandum Circular 2017-143 encourages every local government unit to conduct various activities that will focus on the protection of children.
Who are the Children?
Children are those individuals below 18 years old. They usually need the guidance of an adult on their day-to-day activities. Knowing that children belong to the most vulnerable group in the society, the government is making the best effort in order to give them the most conducive environment for living. Most often, children are the first victims of abuse and violence. With this, the government created several programs and projects that would address the needs of the children.
Children's Rights
One of the shocking truth is that millions of children all over the world go hungry all over the world. Likewise, a large number of children are reported to be victims of violence. Children, like adults, have also their own rights.
>The right to life
Image Credits: Engin_Akyurt via Pixabay
>The right to a name nationality and identity
Image Credits: smpratt90 via Pixabay
>The right to health
Image Credits: Public Domain Picture via Pixabay
>The right to be protected from abuse and neglect
>The right of a disabled child to special care
>The right to a social security
>The right to be protected from commercial and social exploitation
>The Right to education
Image Credits: geralt via Pixabay
>The right to rest and leisure
Image Credits: Bess-Hamiti via Pixabay
>The right to opinion
>The right to freedom of association
>The right to freedom of expression
The Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)
The Seal of Good Local Governance is a tool used the government to assess the performance of the local government units covering the four major areas, financial, transparency, social protection and disaster preparedness.
The concern about children falls under the social protection. The local government units are in-charge of the protection of women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The local government units should take action in response to their needs such as providing support to basic education, accessibility features in government buildings, social welfare services and ensuring participation of the sectors in local special bodies and in the local council.
Anti-Violence Against Women and Children
Republic Act 9262 Known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004
The law provides programs that would protect women and children against all forms of violence. This act identifies the different roles of each unit of the government specifying their specific functions in case of any of the violations specified herein are committed against women and children. Please read more about the law here.
Towards this end, the State shall exert efforts to address violence committed against women and children in keeping with the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution and the Provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights instruments of which the Philippines is a party.
Paragraph 2 Section 2 of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC)
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children or BCPC is a barangay-based institution that was created to ensure that the basic services intended for children in their respective villages are being delivered to the concern individuals. Every barangay should have a functional BCPC in order to ensure that every child receives the services they deserve.
Aside from the normal children, special care should likewise be extended to the following:
- IP Children
- Children with Disabilities
- Street Children
Please watch this video shared by HumanRightsWAtch against an alarming incidence of child marriage in some parts of the world.
Video Credits: Human Rights Watch via YouTube
Wherever we may be in the world, we have children all around us that need our love, protection, and guidance. Children are our future. children are our hope. Let them live the life they deserve. For they are the gift from the Lord.
Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future
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