‘DSWD prioritizing children’s welfare’

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development has assured the public that the government is prioritizing children’s rights and welfare as a majority of DSWD’s projects, including the flagship conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, are focused on children’s needs.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman made the assurance as the country celebrates National Children’s Month this October.

“We want to make sure that in the years to come, there are millions of children who are not only healthy, but are able to finish high school. This will give them a better chance of landing gainful employment,” Soliman added.

The CCT is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of children aged 0-18. As of Oct. 8, 10 million children have better chances of growing up healthy and attending school because of the CCT.

This year’s theme of the celebration, “Bata Kasali Ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga,” underscores the need for children’s active participation in issues involving them.

In 2012, the DSWD launched the National Search for Exemplary Children to recognize children beneficiaries of the CCT program who exemplified admirable values in their homes, schools and communities. These children served as spokespersons for their communities.

The National Children’s Congress was also launched in October 2012. The NCC is a venue to impart to children the sense of nationalism by instilling to them the importance of education and health. The NCC also encourages children to be involved in public and civic affairs even at a young age.

The NCC participants are municipal, provincial and regional winners of the National Search for Exemplary Children.

This year, around 100 children from 17 regions nationwide will be attending the NCC.

They are expected to identify the issues or problems that greatly affect the development of children. They will also develop a policy recommendation that will be presented to legislators to be included in the formulation of laws for children.