DSWD Advocates for United Effort to Boost Children’s Health During National Children’s Month
VALENZUELA CITY — Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) made an appeal on Friday for collaborative efforts across all sectors to enhance the health and nutrition of Filipino children. This call to action aligns with the Philippines’ observance of the 31st National Children’s Month (NCM) this November.
According to Philippines News Agency, the department seeks to mobilize stakeholders to create and implement programs and policies aimed at fostering the holistic development of children. The NCM is a significant period marked by the Philippines to commemorate the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989, an adoption established under Republic Act No. 10661. The annual event underscores the importance of raising public awareness and garnering support for the protection and promotion of children’s rights.
The theme for this year’s NCM, ‘Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All!’, emphasizes the critical need for children’s access to quality healthcare services, which is a cornerstone of their rights to survival, development, protection, and participation. Gatchalian further stated that beyond the care provided by parents and adults, children must be afforded platforms to exercise and vocalize their rights as individuals.
Highlighting the importance of a nurturing environment, Gatchalian added that creating a safe and supportive space for children is crucial for them to achieve their full potential and contribute to the nation’s development. The DSWD, in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the National Youth Commission (NYC), spearheads the NCM celebration.
The month-long celebration will commence with a kick-off event on November 6 in Valenzuela City, featuring a children’s parade, supportive messages from various stakeholders, and advocacy for child rights. In conjunction with the celebration, children and youth under 18 will be granted free rides on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) for specific hours on the same day.
Throughout November, the CWC will conduct online learning sessions accessible via their Facebook page, with sessions shared by the DSWD’s official page as well. These sessions are designed to educate both children and parents. The culmination of the NCM will take place on November 28 in Taguig City.
The DSWD is also promoting the MAKABATA Helpline 1383, a resource provided by the CWC to offer prompt assistance and address inquiries related to child rights and welfare through various communication platforms, including calls, email, and social media.