The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) leads the observance of the National Children’s Month of November of every year pursuant to Republic Act 10661, otherwise known as the National Children’s Month Act.

The declaration commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989 and seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness. Previously, the celebration is October of every year through Presidential Proclamation 267 series of 1993.

For 2015, the theme is “Komunidad at Pamahalaan Magkaisa, Pang-aabuso sa Bata Wakasan Na!” This highlights the protection of children against all forms of abuse and discrimination and to encourage stakeholders to promote as well as advocate protection of children at the family, schools, community, institutions, organizations and other settings.

In Bicol, the month’s celebration was kicked-off by a foot parade and zumbata which was held last November 12, 2015 at Embarcadero de Legazpi. The activity which was participated by about 300 children from the different barangays of Legazpi City and was sponsored by the Provincial Government of Albay .

Another event which will highlight the month’s celebration is the Regional Children’s Congress which will be held at the multi-purpose hall of the Camp Simeon Ola, Legazpi City. This will be attended by 120 children from the different child-caring agency in the region. The participation of children from the indigenous community from the cities of Sorsogon and Iriga is also expected.

The focus of the day’s convention is the discussion of children’s rights and welfare and the educational opportunities. This will be handled by Rica Joyce Genita and Alex Bendo elementary grade pupils of Tanagan Elementary School, Bacacay, Albay. The month long event was managed by the Regional Sub-committee for the Welfare of Children with the DSWD as the lead. # # # eejerusalem