In the Philippines, it could be said that a typical family’s life revolves around the children. Parents work hard to provide for their children’s needs, and even single family members help out in the care of their nephews and nieces.

To further emphasize the importance of children in the family and community, October has been declared as the National Children’s Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 267 signed into law in 1992. The annual month-long celebration features varied activities highlighting the continuous advocacy and promoting children’s rights and welfare.

This year’s theme, “Bata Kasali Ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga”, underscores the need for children’s active participation in issues involving their sector.

Several programs and laws were instituted to safeguard children’s rights. Among these is the creation of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), signing of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Law and the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of children 0-18 year old. As of October 8, 2014, there are 10 million children who have better chances of growing up healthy and in school.

According to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, “Majority of our programs are focused on 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.”

“We want to make sure that in the years to come, there are millions of children who are not only healthy, but are able to finish high school. This will give them a better chance of landing gainful employment,” Sec. Soliman added.

In 2012, Pantawid Pamilya also launched the National Search for Exemplary Children that aims to recognize children beneficiaries who exemplified admirable values in their homes, schools and communities. These children served as spokespersons in their communities.

In October 2013, Shemiah Pineda of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro bested 17 Regional finalists.

In her acceptance speech, she mentioned about the importance of education and being at your best despite of the circumstance you are in.

“Sana po maging magandang ehemplo ako sa lahat ng mga batang mahihirap upang magpursige sa kanilang pag-aaral, pagbutihin ang lahat ng kanilang ginagawa at pagyamanin ang mga biyayang natatanggap dahil hindi lahat ng bata ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na matulungan upang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral  (I hope that I will be a good example to all poor children to pursue their studies, improve on everything that they do, and value the blessings that they received since not all children are given the opportunity to finish their studies),” she shared.

Pantawid Pamilya, in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) also launched the National Children’s Congress in October 2012.

The NCC is a venue to impart to children the sense of nationalism by instilling the importance of education and health. This also serves as a venue to promote the social well-being of children-beneficiaries and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs even at a young age.

The NCC participants are municipal, provincial and regional winners of the Search for Exemplary Children nationwide.

This year, around 100 children from 17 regions nationwide will be attending the NCC. They are expected to identify the issues or problems that greatly affect the development of children. The participants will also develop a policy recommendation that will be presented to the legislators to be included  in the formulation of laws  for children.  ###