In observance of the 32nd National Children’s Month (NCM), the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are intensifying efforts to combat violence against children, with a focus on raising awareness and taking action to end all forms of abuse. This year’s theme, “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines,” underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of children, especially in light of alarming statistics on child abuse and exploitation.
A Reminder of the Scale of Violence
During a media briefing on October 31, CWC executive director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales revealed troubling statistics from the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC). In 2023 alone, the PNP-WCPC received 18,756 reports of child rights violations, with 17,304 of these cases involving violence, including rape and acts of lasciviousness. Since 2016, child abuse has remained one of the top three violations against children in the Philippines, a reality that highlights the ongoing need for public awareness and intervention.
A Month of Awareness and Advocacy
The month-long celebration of National Children’s Month will feature various activities designed to educate the public, promote child rights, and advocate for a safer environment for children across the Philippines. As part of these efforts, a major event will kick off in Cebu City from November 5-7, where the CWC will join forces with the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines to launch the NCM festivities. The event will include a parade featuring children’s participation, as well as speeches from youth leaders, child rights advocates, and key government partners.
Further, CWC will be present at the House of Representatives’ NCM celebration, which will take place from November 18-21. The CWC plans to set up booths to inform lawmakers and the public about the importance of creating safe spaces for children and protecting their rights. This event will also highlight the Makabata Helpline as a vital resource for reporting child abuse and violations.
The 4th National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC)
One of the key milestones of this year’s NCM celebration is the launch of the 4th National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), a comprehensive government policy document that outlines the country’s child protection strategy for 2023-2028. The NPAC will adopt a multi-sectoral, rights-based approach to advancing children’s rights, focusing on their survival, development, protection, and participation in society.
“The NPAC will serve as a guiding framework to ensure that children’s rights are not only protected but actively promoted across the Philippines,” Tapales explained. The plan aligns with the government’s commitment to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of children, particularly in areas of violence prevention, education, and health.
A Call for Collective Action
The celebration of National Children’s Month 2024 is not only a time for reflection but also a call to action. Tapales appealed to all sectors of society to work together in ensuring that children’s rights are upheld. From the government and law enforcement agencies to parents, educators, and local communities, the collective responsibility is clear: to protect children from violence and exploitation, and to create an environment where they can grow, thrive, and realize their full potential
The NCM activities, including the launch of the NPAC and the conference on responsible parenting, are pivotal steps toward realizing a safer, more nurturing environment for the nation’s children. As the Philippines continues to confront the issue of child abuse, the government and its partners remain committed to breaking the cycle of violence and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to live a life free from harm.
For more information or to report child abuse, individuals are encouraged to call the Makabata Helpline at 1383.
