In observance of the National Children’s Month on November 3, the Council for the Welfare of Children will be focusing on addressing the mental health and well-being of children.
This year’s theme is “Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan.”
The kick-off ceremonies will be participated by national government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations and local government units.
According to Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, CWC Executive Director, this year’s theme is geared towards the World Health Organization’s statement that health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Tapales also said in a press briefing last October 25, “Many were affected during the Covid-19 pandemic. But the silent victims of the pandemic are the youth and children as there were no discussions on how the pandemic has affected them.” In addition, CWC will also review the Mental Health Law to include the welfare of the children.
Some activities lined up during the kick-off include the following:
- Ceremonial Launching of the CWC MAKABATA Helpline
- Partnership launching with the Miriam College Child Rights Advocacy Center (CRAC)
- National Play Advocacy Week (NPAW) Partners’ Play Toolkit launch
- Relaunching of the Mental Health Literary Pieces for Children: Sarilaysay Activity Book and Eroplanong Papel Comic Book
The National Children’s Month Act or Republic Act 10661 was adopted from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989. It is a month-long celebration every November with CWC, National Youth Commission, and the Department of Social Welfare Development as the lead agencies in charge of the commemoration.
