In recognition of the children’s role in development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is holding the 2014 National Children’s Congress (NCC) today at Sequoia Hotel, Quezon City.

The activity is in observance of the annual Children’s Month Celebration, with this year’s theme, “Bata Kasali Ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga” which focuses on the participation of  children in nation-building.

Around 100 children from 17 regions nationwide will be attending the NCC. They are expected to identify the issues or problems that greatly affect their sector.

The children-participants will also develop a policy recommendation that will be presented to  legislators for their consideration in the formulation of laws  for children.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the activity is timely in reiterating the message that children are the future of the nation.

She added,  “Majority of our programs are focused on promoting children’s rights and welfare. Apart from the centers and institutions that we maintain, we are the lead in the implementation of Pantawid Pamilya, the government’s flagship poverty reduction program.”

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of children 0-18 years old.

As of October 24, 2014, there are 10 million children-beneficiaries of the program. As beneficiaries they have better chances of  finishing high school and growing up healthy.

As part of the congress, DSWD will also award the national winner of the 2014 Pantawid Pamilya Exemplary Child.  The award is given to a child-beneficiary who showed admirable accomplishments in his or her  home, school, and community.

The national winner will be chosen from among the regional winners. ###