SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) — The National Children’s Month celebration here kicked off on Nov. 8 led by the Provincial Government of Siquijor through the Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
This year’s theme is “Uswag Batang Siquijodnon, Paglaum sa Katilingban” (Progress for Siquijor Children, Hope for the Community).
The month-long celebration featured a variety of activities, including a Color Fun Run, poster-making contest, and the Halad Serbisyo Para sa mga Batang Siquijodnon (Service Offering for Siquijor Children).
The Halad Serbisyo offered free services such as medical and dental check-ups, blood and glucose tests, HIV screenings, family planning, and other population development services.
Parents, children and other attendees availed of the free services provided by various government agencies.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Siquijor, and the KADIWA or Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita program from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) offered essential services such as National ID registration, late birth certificate registration, and agricultural support programs.
Seedlings, vegetables, vitamins, and food were also distributed.
Siquijor board member and chair of the Committee on Social Services, Brylle Deeiah Tomarong Quio, emphasized that proper care and education for children are crucial for the province’s long-term development and prosperity.
Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division superintendent Rosalie M. Pasaol thanked the parents and teachers for their support and cooperation in ensuring the success of the activities for the children.
“Kini nagpahinumdon kanatong tanan labi na natong mga adults kon unsa kaimportante ang atong mga kabatan-onan dinhi sa Siquijor. Kita na mga adults kinahanaglan nga magsupurta , kanunay ta nga mag-amuma ug magpangga nila kay ginaingon pa nga kining atong mga btan-on, mao na pud unya ni ang atong mga future leaders in the society. So ko unsang klaseha sa mga bata sila inig-kadagko, it an indication of how much we love and care for them,” said Pasaol.
(This serves as a reminder to all of us, especially to us adults, of how important our youth are. As adults, we need to support them. We must always take care of and love them because, as they say, these young ones are the future leaders of our society. So whatever kind of children they grow up to be, it is an indication of how much we love and care for them.)
Upcoming events for National Children’s Month include Know Your Government Day on Nov. 12, Symposium and Oratorical and Debate Contest on Nov. 15, Feeding Program from Nov. 18-23, the Provincial Children’s Congress Presentation on Nov. 20, Public Speaking Workshop from Nov. 20-23, Orientation on the Local Code for Children and Anti-Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEAC) on Nov. 26, and a Family Fun Day on Nov. 27, 2024. (RAC/PIA7-Siquijor)
