Advocating children's rights

REPUBLIC Act 10661 declares the month of November of every year as the National Children's Month (NCM). This move was in response to the adoption of the Convention of the Rights by the United Nations Assembly on November 20, 1989.

The country's Council for the Welfare of the Children (CWC) has identified the theme for this year as “Bata: Iligtas sa Droga (Children: Save them from drugs).”

The theme supports the administration's fight against illegal drugs.

Many know that using illegal drugs has several negative side effects including developing a mental disorder like addiction. It is our responsibility as parents and responsible citizens to protect our children from getting involved with illegal drugs.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Youth Commission (NYC) are tasked to lead the celebration for the month nationwide.

The Kalipay Negrense Foundation Inc., a non-government organization, supporting the causes of disadvantaged children joins this advocacy in reaching out to the Filipino people, to inform them about the rights of the children and other causes of the Filipino children.

Kalipay's vision is to make sure that the needs of the disadvantaged children are provided and their rights protected. Kalipay rescues the neglected, abandoned, homeless, malnourished, foundlings, abused children and victims of child trafficking and child labor.

Kalipay currently has more than 100 children who live in their two homes.

Kalipay is a member of the Inter-Visayas Break the Silence Network whose mission is to bring people together in creating protective environments for children against sexual abuse and exploitation.

It also advocates for the rights of the children, as well as prevention of drug abuse. Other members of the group include DSWD, Women and Children Protection Desks of various police stations, Department of Education, and many more non-government organizations.

The group will celebrate "Children's Day" on November 11 in 888 China Town Square. It aims to promote campaign against child sexual abuse and exploitation, as well as, to remind the people of the rights of the children. Everyone is welcome to join the activities which will start at 1 p.m.

To learn more about Kalipay, please visit their website at www.kalipaynegrensefoundation.org or call them at 4352496.

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