The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office (FO) Caraga, chair of the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC), leads the ‘Araw ng Parangal’ culmination program for the 31st National Children’s Month Celebration at the Pavilion, Watergate, Butuan City—November 29, 2023.

 

DSWD FO Caraga Protective Services Division (PSD) Chief Jessie Catherine Aranas welcomed all the participating sectors, emphasizing that this year’s celebration urges us to double efforts on promoting children’s rights, encouraging collaboration and commitment, and through this, achieving the 2023 sustainable development goals.

“Words would never be enough to acknowledge your efforts and initiatives in celebrating the endeavors of our children. This is an opportune time for us to give you these awards. We truly value our future generations — our dear children. Let us continue to work together for the benefit of the children sector,” Aranas said.

 

RCWC gathered 39 top-performing Local Government Units (LGUs) headed by Local Chief Executives (LCEs) from the region, along with representatives from various government agencies and the private sector, as they awarded the Makabatang Modelo Partner Award (Individual and Group Category) and the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG) 2019 and 2021.

 

Keynote Speaker, Atty. Josefe Sorrera-Ty, Commissioner of Legal Education Board shared her experience in handling with children when she started as an attorney at the Public Attorneys Office and a retainer lawyer at DSWD Field Office Caraga.

 

“Reflecting on my own journey as a lawyer, I am reminded of one of the first cases I handled that defined my law career and led me to advocate for the well-being of our children.   This case involved a child abused by the very people who were supposed to love and care for him. Vilma Bare and I joined hands to help this cradle of hope.  It was through this experience that I realized the significance of our collective responsibility in nurturing and protecting our children.  And that case was the beginning of many heart-wrenching but meaningful journeys I had in taking care of our children,” Ty opened.

 

Being invited to the activity, the lawyer reminded participants of the very reason they are all there, “This Araw ng Parangal is a perfect opportunity to reflect on and evaluate the remarkable journey of caring for our Children.  Looking back I see the significant roles played by our government and non-government agencies, most specially our local chief executives, in respecting, promoting, and protecting the rights of these children.”

Furthermore, Ty leaves a challenge to the duty-bearers who tirelessly work for the welfare of children, “It is imperative that we strive to make the way we educate our children just as captivating or more captivating as the methods employed by these abusive sectors of society when interacting with our children in the digital realm.  “Huwag po tayong magpahuli…huwag po tayong magpatalo.”  We must be creative in raising awareness amongst children themselves, empowering them to recognize their rights and to speak up, fostering a culture of protection and support.  We have to re-imagine things so that we can better educate the public about the signs of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment.  We can encourage early intervention and potentially save lives.”

 

The said celebration is made possible through Republic Act 10661 or the National Children’s Month Act of 2015, which declares the month of November of every year as the official observance of the National Children’s Month, with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) as the chair inter-agencies working group.

 

A celebration ends, but the work continues for the children in every community—for a more inclusive, safe, and healthy society!