Koronadal City took part in celebrating the 31st National Children’s Month
Highlighting the children’s welfare, Koronadal City’s Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) observed a month-long celebration of the 31st National Children’s Month last November 2023. The celebration is rooted from the findings of National Economic and Development Authority in its 25-year vision AmBisyon Natin 2040 stating the multifaceted constraints in the country’s poor health care. As quoted, “[there is] lack of access to medical or health care facilities, no support for prevention/maintenance medications with health insurance as PhilHealth only covering a minor portion of hospitalization, and public facilities with no supplies.”
Anent this problem, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) leveraged the National Children’s month Celebration as an opportunity to support the country’s vision – “by 2024, the Philippines shall be a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor. Our people will enjoy long and healthy lives, are smart and innovative, and will live in a high-trust society.”
With this, the City of Koronadal took part in the said celebration and rolled out a myriad of events and activities, all geared towards celebrating and advocating for the rights and well-being of its children. With the theme, “Healthy, nourished, sheltered: Ensuring the right to life for all,” the month kicked-off with a Children’s Congress participated by daycare pupils in the city last November 6, 2023. Spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the daycare pupils from the 27 barangays showcased their artistic talents during the song solo competition and creative storytelling. The said activity aims not only to celebrate creativity but also encourages self-expression among children. Furthermore, this year’s theme resonates with the city’s commitment to ensuring that every child grows up in an environment that nurtures their development and safeguards their rights.
Recognizing the need for a holistic approach to children’s well-being, the LCPC also conducted an outreach program for the Children In Conflict with the Law (CILC) which aims to provide a rehabilitative support and mentorship to help reintegrate them into the community, fostering a conducive environment for their personal growth. Moreover, 30 mothers with their children who are Pantawid Program beneficiaries were also invited to participate in the educational lectures and workshops on nutrition policies and programs for children last November 20.
For massive information dissemination campaign about the month-long celebration, CSWDO in partnership with the City Information Office conducted a press conference (Talakayang Makabata: The 31st NCM Press Conference) last November 21, 2023, to talk about the celebration and address concerns about the programs and activities of the administration intended for the children. This was attended by different media practitioners who posed the questions to the council. Part of the information dissemination campaign is the launching of the LCPC Advocacy – a 30-second infomercial that talked about the 10 rights of children as stated in the council’s mandate. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office also took part in the celebration and hosted a learning session on ‘children during emergency situations’. As a culminating activity, the Local Council for the Protection of Children will also hold a Children Festival and the Local State of Children’s Report on December 15, at the city’s Rizal Park.
City Mayor Atty. Eliordo U. Ogena, in his speeches during the celebration, expressed his commitment to ensuring the protection of children in Koronadal City as he believes that children will someday inherit and continue what the previous generation have worked on.
The collaborative efforts of the Koronadalenos have made and are making a tangible impact on the lives of its young constituents. Through educating them, several healthcare initiatives, and community engagement, the administration participated in fostering an environment for children to thrive and contribute to the future of Koronadal City.