TAGUM CITY , Davao del Norte (PIA)– The culmination of the Children’s Month celebration in Davao del Norte was made colorful, lively and enjoyable for the 200 child laborers that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI recently profiled under its Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP).
Aside from the messages delivered by key officials of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, the DOLE Davao del Norte, and from the DOLE Regional Office XI, the live performances of the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) students and the student rondalla rendition made the child-laborers awestruck with the showcase of talents.
The National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration of DOLE XI forms part of culminating the month-long observance of Children’s Month in Davao del Norte that highlights the Local State of the Children Address delivered by Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib.
The event also drew the presence and involvement of parents of the DOLE XI documented child-laborers in Davao del Norte and some partners of DOLE XI particularly the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, the Congressional Offices of the province, non-government organization (NGO) partners, the 7th Air Reserve Center and the 7th Air Force Wing Reserve, national line agencies, among others.
The Pledge to Children or the Panatang Makabata led by Provincial Information Officer, Dr. Mervin Jay Z. Suabaguio forged the commitment of all sectors to uphold and promote the indivisible rights of the child to development, protection, survival, and participation.
While representatives of various support groups felt honored during the Awarding of Plaques and Certificates, the participating children were seen glad upon receiving gifts distributed by DOLE XI and DOLE Davao del Norte Field Office through its Project Angel Tree 2024 that generated generous support from private and public sector donors.
“Let this celebration be a call to action— a reminder that every child deserves love, care and respect. Together as parents, teachers, leaders, and citizens, we hold the power to create a nurturing environment where our children can grow, learn and shine,” said Erlinda Mamitag, provincial director of DOLE Davao del Norte Field Office.
During the same occasion, DOLE-XI Regional Director, Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy urged leaders in the government and the private sectors, families and communities to work together and “to stand at forefront” of the advocacy to safeguard the rights of children and to ensure their welfare.
“Together, we can eliminate the shadows of child labor and open doors to opportunities that will allow our children to flourish,” he said.
He also encouraged the child-laborers to take hold of their dreams as DOLE and the rest of the local and national government agencies work together “in creating a society that values and upholds our rights.”
In his Local State of the Children Address, Provincial Governor Jubahib renewed the commitment of his administration for continued support for the children sector.
“We want our children to be healthy, to be productive, to excel and be able to succeed in this rapidly-changing world. This is the reason why we continue to strengthen policies and programs that build the capacity of our kids to face the challenges of tomorrow,” he said. (JMDA, PIA XI)
