November 2020 marks the 28th year of the National Children's Month, which focuses on Upholding Children's Rights during the COVID 19 pandemic, with the theme, “Sama-samang Itaguyod ang Karapatan ng mga Bata sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”
As an active member of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) in Central Luzon, staff of the National Nutrition Council - Region III altogether recited the Kapampangan and Tagalog versions of the Panatang Makabata. The video clip (https://www.facebook.com/237515169629299/videos/398291578222545/) of the panata was also posted in the facebook page of the NNC-Region III to encourage its network to do the same and to disseminate the message on upholding chidren’s right during the pandemic. The Panatang Makabata will also be recited in all of the NNC’s activities online.
In unison with the other RSCWC members, the Council also hanged a tarpaulin-streamer in front of its office, continuously aired radio and TV plugs on First 1000 Days through its local media partners (RWFM 95.1 and CLTV 36), feature articles on nutrition of pre-school, school chidren and adolescents on its web and facebook page all throughout the month of November to encourage mothers and caregivers to nourish their children, as basic nutrition is key to child’s development and survival.
The Council will also participate during the Orientation on the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance-Knowledge Management System (SCFLG-KMS) on 6 November 2020 and in the Local Councils for the Protection of Children Gumagalaw Online Caravan on 13 November 2020.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10661, the country’s National Children’s Month is celebrated annually every November to commemorate with the United Nations Child Rights Convention’s adoption by the UN General Assembly and seeks to instill its importance in the Filipino consciousness.
The 2020 Children’s Month celebration aims to: 1) Intensify public awareness on children’s rights, adequate care for children, and application of positive discipline in daily dealings with children; 2) Promote further the institutionalization of a child-friendly environment and governance by promoting implementation and monitoring of child – related protocols at the sub-national levels;. 3) Provide a platform for discourse on persistent and arising issues pertaining to children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation during and post-COVID-19; 4) Build the capacity of children as rights-holders to claim and protect their rights; and 5) Build the capacity of duty-bearers to deliver their commitment and fulfill their obligations to protect children and fulfill rights of children.
Nutrition is a basic child’s rights. Cherish and nourish every child today. Invest in the first 1,000 days of child’s life.
Author: NPC Ana Maria B. Rosaldo
