Coron, Palawan – Over 200 participants attended the 2014 Children’s Month Celebration spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MiMaRoPa, last October 27, 2014.

This year’s theme “Bata Kasali ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga!” encourages concerned stakeholders for all-encompassing development, including provision of social protection programs to children. In her opening remark, Regional Director Wilma D. Naviamos assured that children are part of the national inclusive growth. She emphasized the importance Children’s Rights saying “Lahat ng bata ay kasama at may karapatan mabigyan ng sapat na tulong at pagkalinga.” Naviamos added that nurturing the Filipino children and protecting their rights help shape their potential. “Sa pamamagitan ng mga tulong, suporta at proyektong para sa mga bata, matutulungan natin maging ganap ang kanilang pagkatao,” said Naviamos.

The full-day event began with a parade in downtown Coron where children hold placards that flashed their rights and privileges. Invited day care center students performed and selected children join competitions for singing, mask painting and draw and tell.

Convergence

The DSWD MiMaRoPa have initiated partnership with Saint Therese College Alumni Association, Quezon City Campus for provision of school boats to Pantawid Pamilya Children of Coron. Through funding from the said organization, eight schoolboats were donated for school transportation of intended children beneficiaries during the celebration. Similarly, seven ‘pedicabs for livelihood’ were given to Yolanda-affected beneficiaries from the municipality Busuanga and Coron.

Junewind Sigarino, 51, a recipient of the said ‘pedicabs for livehood’ was grateful, saying “magiging madali na ang paglalako ko ng mga gulay at paninda,” referring to vending vegetables –her main source of income.

The Children’s Month celebration is an annual event commemorated across the country in light of promoting children’s rights and privileges.