Butuan City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field office Caraga through its partner agencies, the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children (RCWC), and the Local Government Unit ( LGU) of Butuan City led the “Awareness Walk on the Rights of Children and Older Person” in line with the celebration of the 22nd National Children’s Month and Elderly Week”  on October 4, 2014.

 The activity starts at 6:00 a.m. from Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Covered Court going to the City Hall.

For this year, the event carries the theme, “Bata Kasali Ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga”, to promote children’s participation in nation-building and “ Ang Nakatatanda ay Yaman, Katuwang sa Pag – unlad ng Bayan, Pangalagaan Kanilang Kapakanan,” to pay tribute to the great contribution of the elders and to raise and address the issues concerning the older persons’ concerns.

“The theme highlights children’s rights to promote and advocate for children’s participation in decision – making process at all levels at home, family and community,” disclosed DSWD Caraga Regional Director Minda B. Brigoli.

Brigoli further emphasized that this event involves participation of children in the community, schools and day care centers, teachers, parents, partner agencies and other stakeholders on the promotion of children’s rights.

Likewise, she underscored the importance of the elders in the society.

“ Ang ating mga lolo at lola ay may malaking parte sa ating buhay at ng ating bansa. Bukod sa pension at mga pangangailangang pinansyal, mahalangang bagay rin sa kanila ang kalusugan at ang pagkakaroon ng taga pangalaga.  Ang pag – unawa at ang pagbibigay halaga sa kanila ang lubos nilang kailangan.” Brigoli said.

“The Regional Social Pension Unit (RSPU) of the DSWD field Office has been so sensible in addressing the concerns of the Social Pensioners. Eligible indigent senior citizens are entitled to a social pension amounting to Php 500.00 monthly,” she added.

Also, in the celebration, the Day Care Center (DCC) children showcased their skills and talents learned inside the DCC through presentations of different dances and field demonstrations.

Presidential Proclamation 267 declares the month of October of every year as the National Children’s Month to emphasize the importance of the role of the child within the Filipino family and in nation building.

Meanwhile, Presidential Proclamation No. 470 mandates the annual celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week or Linggo ng Nakatatandang Filipino.###( DSWD/ FO Caraga)