Monday, October 06, 2008 Barangays told: Take lead in promoting children’s welfare
JUDGING from the high turnout of barangay officials at the opening of Children’s Month yesterday, Cebu City first lady Margot Osmeña said she’s confident that that the children are a priority down to the barangay level.
She was elated to see barangay captains and councilors accompanying their delegation of children.
“I am happy that more and more barangay officials are getting interested and involved. It’s different when they are the ones who are active because it indicates that children are becoming a priority,” she told Sun.Star Cebu.
That all the City’s 80 barangays were represented by children who performed their cheer dance also shows the barangays’ and the children’s commitment to the
Children’s Month activities, she said. The mayor’s wife serves as chairperson of the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children.
More than 4,400 children joined.
Annabeth Cuizon, Cebu City Commission for the Welfare and Protection of Children (CCCWPC) executive director, said the presence of barangay captains and councilors in yesterday’s activity was a welcome sign.
“There has been a positive change these days. Even the barangays are now calling us up and asking about events for the Children’s Month celebration. The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children is also becoming very active in the different barangays,” she said.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña also assured that the children come first under his administration. “The Cebu City Government is behind the children. It’s the children all the time, every time,” he said.
During the opening day program, the Feed the Children Philippines organization also turned over to the City a total of 340,000 mebendazole tablets, which are used for deworming.
Cuizon said a Children’s Summit, where children’s concerns are discussed and possible projects to address them are formulated, will be held later this month.
She identified child trafficking and child abuse as among the pressing issues that still affect the children.
Aside from the summit, the different barangay daycare centers will also have their own activities for children.
The State of the Children’s Report on Oct. 29 will cap off the month-long celebration. (EPB/LCR)
