Children are the future. Nurture them right, so that they grow up to be able leaders and lead the world towards light. – a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru
Recognizing
the pandemic's impact on children, the Department of Education (DepEd) has
planned a series of activities to commemorate the 29th National Children's
Month (NCM) this November. The national theme for this year's NCM is "New
Normal na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan," and the
various activities planned by DepEd for this year's NCM focus on championing
children's rights and welfare in the new normal. Neither the COVID-19 pandemic, nor the continuous
community lockdowns will stop the Philippines from celebrating the 29th
National Children’s Month (NCM) with the theme “New Normal na Walang Iwanan:
Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!” this November, 2021. 2021 pose greater challenges as the
country reels from the prolonged consequences of the pandemic. These challenges
continue to aggravate underlying issues on children and threaten to undermine
the collective efforts of the civil society in handling the pandemic. November
is National Children’s Month (NCM). This year’s theme is “New Normal na Walang
Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!” The annual celebration
recognizes children as the nation’s most valuable assets and emphasizes the
importance of their role within the Filipino family and Philippine society. The theme is relevant in the context of the
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as children are not spared from
the potentially fatal infection.
Almost
two years after the country was placed under lockdown, children all over the
Philippines are experiencing an overwhelming sadness and anxiety that is unique
to their generation. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on our children,
as families continue to grapple with the pandemic's socioeconomic consequences,
which have threatened their livelihoods and limited their access to basic
social services.
For
underprivileged children who have not had the opportunity to attend school
since the beginning of the pandemic, whether online or offline, the likelihood
of returning to school decreases with each passing day. Out-of-school children,
particularly girls, are more vulnerable to early marriages and teen
pregnancies, as well as child abuse and gender-based violence.
The
National Children’s Month is observed every November as part of state efforts
to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of
the Child. This year, we are guided by the theme New Normal na Walang Iwanan:
Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan, placing an emphasis on making sure that
the rights of every child are protected and upheld despite the constraints of
the pandemic.
As
the 2021 National Children's Month (NCM) is observed in November, the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will seek to address the
needs of children and how they can be better protected. In a statement issued
on Monday, the DSWD stated that it will focus on the difficulties that children
face in the new normal setting and address concerns about their rights to
survival, development, protection, and participation. "The celebration
will build on the achievements of previous NCM celebrations, which are based on
the 3rd National Plan of Action for Children goals to gradually realize
children's rights."
At
the moment, recommendations and the vaccines to be used can vary by country for
children and teens more than 5, 12, 16 or 18 years old. It is important to keep
track of recommendations and guidance on vaccination as these may change in the
future. Similarly, a vaccination roll
out by the Department Of Health was initiated lately among children ages 12-17.
As
we navigate this rapidly changing situation, it is critical to stay up to date
on the latest news, updates, and resources about the virus and its impact on
children. End Violence is a global partnership that shares the most recent
evidence, data, and information to protect children from COVID-19 and the
associated risk of violence.
Immediate
government action is required to ensure that children have access to nutritious
food, are protected from child abuse and neglect, continue to have access to
child physical and mental health services, and can navigate the internet
safely. Policies must also encourage parental employment, which is critical in
combating child poverty.
As
a great challenge among children will try to hamper their lives, a more rounded
influence that will intends to a resilient well-being during this new normal is
expectedly wrapped out into reality.
Today,
I have a great challenge. I shall be a
good influencer. A GREAT Advocacy among
children is waiting for.
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