The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its attached agency, the  Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), leads the 21^st National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration this October with the theme: “Kahirapan Wakasan, Karapatan ng Bata Ipaglaban.”

In line with the theme, the month-long celebration will showcase different activities to intensify public awareness on the rights of children and youth and encourage all sectors of the community and society to be responsible in raising-up the Filipino child to become a well-rounded person and to protect them at all cost.

“It is significant to note that the theme for the children’s month is aligned with DSWD’s efforts in investing in children’s future through the government’s flagship poverty reduction program, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino or the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT). Breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty is one way to uphold the rights of children,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman stated.

Highlighting the month-long celebration is VIDES Philippines Foundation Inc. National Children’s Month Simultaneous Activities such as exhibition games, quiz bee on Convention on the Rights of the Child and cheering competition; the National Children’s Congress led by Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program-National Project Management Office; “Titik, Himig Singing Writing Contest”; poster making of children with disability and autism; and Children’s Month Parade, among others.

The celebration is done annually pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 267 issued on September 30, 1993, to recognize and emphasize the important role of children within the Filipino family and in nation building.

The CWC enjoins different government agencies to conduct their own activities in line with the celebration and promote their programs and services for children. ###