Children’s month celebration to focus on war on drugs

THE 25th National Children's month celebration is set to focus on the current administration’s war against illegal drugs with a theme “Bata Iligtas sa Droga!”

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) with this month’s celebration in Benguet Province is set to conduct forums and information education campaign to children on the adverse effects of illegal drugs, according to Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO)officer Juana Banawe.

“Different sectors of the youth especially the children will the focus of the activity. We know the ill effects of drugs to health and as part of their growth, we have instill to the minds of the children that illegal drugs are not really good to health, for life. It will affect your social, financial, mental and of course physical and all,” Banawe added.

As part of the children’s month celebration, a children’s talent contest will be held to all 13 municipalities of the province namely Atok, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba and Tublay.

During the celebration Governor Crescencio Pacalso will also award the most children friendly municipality. There will also be a lecture on parenting.

Banawe urge stakeholders, especially the parents to be a part of the advocacy against illegal drugs.

Republic Act No. 10661 declares the month of November of every year as National Children’s Month. This 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 of consciousness in the Filipinos.

In Benguet, there are nine drug related cases committed by children reportedly 13 to 17 years old.

Banawe said they will conduct a separate activity for children who are in conflict with the law including their parents this December.