LAGAWE, Ifugao – The provincial government launched the National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration to stimulate advocacy and public awareness on upholding children’s rights amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The activity, anchored on the theme, “Sama-samang itaguyod ang karapatan ng bawat bata sa panahon ng pandemya,” also aims to intensify public awareness on children’s rights and knowledge, adequate care for children, and application of positive discipline on children and promote the need to institutionalize a child-friendly environment and governance by promoting implementation and monitoring of child-related protocols at the local levels.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Mirriam Baguidudol said this year’s celebration is quite distressful because of the pandemic.
“The lockdown disrupted the life of every family where the children are restricted to go out which affected their rights for survival, protection development, and participation,” Baguidudol added.
She said their office will intensify campaigns against rape, suicide, and violence against women and children.
Ifugao Schools Division Superintendent Benedicta Gamatero said this year’s NCM celebration focuses on promoting the protection of children and their rights and providing practical support to parents and adults on how they care for their children and themselves during the pandemic.
“Empower children to protect themselves and report experience of abuse and guide local government units to efficiently deliver their roles and functions. Whether there is pandemic or none, children have the rights to life, education, protection and the enabling environment,” Gamatero added. – Marcelo B. Lihgawon
