The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-assisted Sixth Country Programme for Children (CPC 6), celebrated Children’s Month 2007 last October with the theme “Bright Child: Karapatan Nasa ‘Yo, Isigaw sa Buong Mundo!”. The theme which was aimed at raising awareness on the rights of children to grow to be bright, responsible and productive citizens was a follow through of the 2006 theme “Bright Child: Yaman ng Pamilya, Yaman ng Bansa.
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The annual national celebration of the Children’s Month, now on its 15th year, is spearheaded by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). It is in line with a progressive advocacy to encourage community members to actively respond to children’s rights through convergence of programs and services for children.
Activities ran throughout the month which included film showings and forums with filmmakers, an interactive puppet play and a donation drive.
In partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2007, NEDA employees were treated to the special screenings of “Tribu” and “Gulong” and forums with filmmakers Jim Libiran and Sockie Fernandez, respectively. Tribu, which won the Best Film Award in Cinemalaya 2007, is the story of world-weary teenage gang members in Tondo as witnessed by Ebet, a 10-year old boy, an enigma that is part innocent child and cynical adult. Gulong is about friendship, love and life. The story is told from the point-of-view of Apao: a smart, kindhearted boy whose quest for an old bicycle reveals the stuff he is made of. With him on the adventure are his insan Momoy and his bespren Tom-Tom.
The interactive puppet play, entitled “Ang Tatlong Biik” and staged by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), was enjoyed by the NEDA employees and their children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
The Donation Drive called on the generosity of NEDAns to share clothes, toys, books and other items for the children and families affected by the recent calamities in Albay. Donated goods were turned over to the Organization of NEDA Employees (ONE) Region 5 for distribution to beneficiaries in the resettlement areas.
The Children’s Month Celebration was a fun-filled event as much as it was a meaningful and learning experience in advocating children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation – all in the spirit of building child-friendly communities.
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