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Delegates of World Vision’s National Children Congress dropping their personal prayers for children around the globe.
In time for the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the 27th National Children’s Month, World Vision organized a 3-day national children’s congress, attended by more than 140 children across the country. The event, anchored on the theme “Karapatan ng Bata: Ipagdiwang at Patuloy na Pahalagahan”, provided a venue for child leaders to present to government leaders their manifesto which highlights their call for the government and other non-government organizations to address the different issues and concerns that directly or indirectly affect the full attainment of their rights.
Among the issues raised include the lack of
support and recognition for Barangay Children’s Associations (BCA), poor health
services and poor sanitary conditions in communities, lack of teachers and
educational facilities, low family income, bullying and discrimination.
Alongside the issues were children’s recommended solutions.
“My life changed after the armed conflict in
my city. I wanted to quit studying to help provide for the family but I’m
grateful that my parents did not allow me to stop despite our financial
challenges. If given a chance, I want to be an accountant someday,” shared Abdullah of Marawi City. The
children suggested for provision of income- generating mechanisms to
families, as well as access to technical/vocational skills training programs.
National Youth Commission Assistant Secretary
Victor Del Rosario who was present during the presentation said that congresses
like this are important because they serve as avenues where children may “vent
their major issues, concerns and challenges that will be heard by the
government for appropriate action”. He added that the government deems the
welfare of children very significant in governance.
The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Women
and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) through Assistant Chief Colonel Robert
Gallardo also affirmed its commitment to upholding the rights of children. “Our
centers in police stations nationwide can cater to all complaints affecting
women and children, and we can protect them.”
Leaders from the Department of Education,
Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and
Development, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Committee for
Children and Youth Participation, UN Youth Advisory Board, National Commission
on Muslim Filipinos - Office of the President were also present during the
Children’s Manifesto presentation.
The work continues
“We laud the
children for their courage to speak on issues that concern them but we
recognize that there is more to be done for them and with them. As a
child-focused organization, World Vision will continue to help empower and
provide them with venues to come together and amplify their right to be heard
and make
informed decisions to matters affecting them,” said
World Vision Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte.
“One of the
things that stuck with me was the discussion on child protection. I learned
where to go when we are abused or taken advantage of,” said Kate of Leyte
Province. Meanwhile, Kim from Camarines Norte and a first-time attendee of the
children’s congress, shared that he made friends with other children despite
coming from different backgrounds and that he enjoyed learning more about the
country through the different cultural presentations of his fellow children.
Aside from
the crafting of the Children’s manifesto, the 3-day event further discussed the
UNCRC principles, sustainable development goals, and the four categories of
children’s rights: survival, development, participation and protection.
Towards the end of the congress, a new set of
child officers were elected for the World Vision National Children’s Federation
(WVNCF), a national assembly of children-representatives from assisted
communities. WVNCF advocates for active child participation in achieving safe
and protective environment in partnership with parents, local government,
non-government organizations, private sectors, communities and institutions.
About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian relief,
development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their
families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its
Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most
vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of
religion, race, ethnicity or gender. https://www.worldvision.org.ph
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