By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan led the 2023 Provincial Children's Month celebration with the theme &...
 |
| Quezon Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan led the 2023 Provincial Children's Month celebration with the theme "Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All," emphasizing the importance of protecting and empowering youth. (Photo screengrab from Doktora Helen Tan/FACEBOOK) |
LUCENA CITY - Quezon Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan led the Provincial Children's Month celebration with the theme "Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All," emphasizing the importance of protecting and empowering youth.
In her provincial state of the children report on November 22, 2023, at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, Quezon the governor announced that the expanded and strengthened provincial code for the welfare of children has been approved by Sangguniang Panlalawigan and will be implemented to ensure the proper protection and development of children in the province.
"Isang aktibong pagtugon ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pagtataguyod na apat na hanay na ito ng karapatan ng mga bata ang katatapos lang na pagtibayin ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang mas pinalawak at maayos na provincial code for the welfare of children," she said.
Tan also stated that her administration continues to create programs and initiatives that promote the holistic development of children, including education, health, and social services. She also believes each child, from the womb to their mother to their early years, should be given the utmost care and protection.
"Naniniwala ako ang buhay ng bawat bata, mula sa pagkabuo nito sa sinapupunan ng kanyang ina, hanggang ang bata ay umabot sa tamang gulang makapangalaga sa kanyang sarili at makapagdesisyon ng mahusay para sa kanyang kapakanan," Tan said.
She also said that if the children are provided with proper support from the government, community, and family in terms of healthcare, nutrition, and stimulation, they will grow up to be healthy and energetic individuals, and when they can work and contribute to society, they will be able to maximize their potential and achieve success in their chosen fields.
"Sa pamamagitan ng ating administrasyon na kapag maayos na naibigay ngpamahalaan, katulong nag komunidad at pamilya ang lahat ng pangangailangang pangkalusugan, nutrisyon at estimilasyon ng bata, sila ay lalaking malusog, masigla ang pangangatawan at makakapagtapos ng pagaaral, sapagkat maiiwasan ang pagliban sa klase dulot ng hindi maayos na nutrisyon at palagiang pagkakasakit. Sa kalaunan ay makakahanap ng trabaho hanggang sa maitaguyod ng maayos ang sariling pamilya at bunga nito masahang mabasag ang matagal na siklo ng kahirapan sa ating lalawigan." she added.
The governor highlighted the collaboration between different government agencies and stakeholders in addressing issues such as child abuse, exploitation, and poverty to create a safer and more nurturing environment for the youth.
According to Board Member Vinette Alcala, Vice Chairman of the Quezon Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), the newly provincial code has four categories of rights services for children: survival, protection, development, and participation.
She said these rights are essential for ensuring the well-being and safety of children in the province, as they provide a comprehensive framework for addressing their needs and empowering them to reach their full potential.
The inclusion of these rights in the provincial code reflects the commitment of the local government to prioritize the welfare of children and create a supportive environment where they can thrive. Implementing these rights services, the province aims to not only protect children from harm but also enable them to actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Program Manager Fiona Cariza Arze said DILG monitored the celebration of LGU, and she was impressed with the turnout and participation of the local government units.
Arze said it is encouraging to see LGUs actively promoting these aspects during the celebration, as it shows their commitment to empowering children and involving them in matters that directly impact them. This kind of engagement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among children, ultimately shaping them into active and informed citizens in the future.
She said these children might be one of the future leaders who will shape the country's progress and development. It is important to invest in their education and provide them with opportunities to excel in order to secure a brighter future for our nation.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office facilitated the event in collaboration with local schools and community organizations, and according to Norliza Labitigan, Assistant Department Head of PSWDO, Children's Month has only been celebrated this year in the province because of the recent pandemic that disrupted previous plans.
Labitigan said despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, they remain committed to ensuring that the children in our province are not left behind and are given the support they need to thrive. This event serves as a testament to their dedication to promoting the well-being and development of our young ones, even in difficult times.
"Binibigyan nito ng importansya ang mga bata hindi lang ngayon kundi ang selebrasyon na ito ay para ipaalala sa mga duty bearers na may papel sila sa mga bata at sa kinabukasan dahil ang mga bata ang kinabukasan," she said.
The Children's Month celebration lined up programs and activities during the entire month, aimed at raising awareness about children's rights and providing opportunities for their holistic development. These include workshops on child protection, educational campaigns on the importance of early childhood education, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
Partners and stakeholders are present at the celebration to support and contribute to the success of the programs and activities. They include government agencies, non-government organizations, schools, and local businesses.
Children from idiginous communities, the Children's Representative of the Department of Labor, daycare workers and parents, the local government unit, the Regional Subcommittee for the Welfare of Children, and the Office of DSWD central and regional offices are also present to support and advocate for the rights of children.
Seal of Child-Friendly Municipality Awardees in Quezon Province are also recognized for their commitment to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for children. These municipalities prioritize the well-being and development of children, ensuring that their rights are protected and their needs are met.
These municipalities, Sariaya, Calauag, San Antonio Grace Huwagan, Lucban, Dolores, and Lopez, have implemented various programs and initiatives that promote child-friendly policies, such as access to quality education, healthcare services, and recreational activities. Receiving the Seal of Child-Friendly Municipality Award is a demonstration of their dedication to creating a safe and supportive community for children to thrive in.
No comments