Prioritize children’s access on good education, env’t, health care — Datuin

Anchored on this year’s National Children’s Month (NCM) theme “Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata, Ating Tutukan,” Councilor Elmer Datuin during last Monday’s flag raising ceremonies spoke on the need for children’s access to good education, healthy environment and health care.

This should be the priority to negate the dismal statistics and bleak information regarding the state of our children, Datuin said.

Data from the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) show that 9.7% of the suicide-related calls received, or at least 251 minors are in distress due to sadness, anxiety, bullying, family problems and academic concerns, he added.

In 2013, a high rate of children suffered sexual abuse and exploitation, thus the NCM focus is relief from abuse, some emanating from poverty and natural calamities, which sometimes could escalate to violence, Datuin further said.         

As the Philippines is considered a third world country, most families struggle financially and often, the younger ones suffer from lack of basics: food, clothing, shelter, and provisions of health care and educational facilities.

Datuin however noted that in 2015, through Republic Act 10661, November was named officially the National Childrens Month whereas thereafter, barangays through the legally-ordained Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), acted for and in behalf of the children in all aspects, including Survival, Protection, Development and Participation.

“Children are our hope, and we do not tolerate violence against our children as the abuse will reverberate in their adult life.  May we as a community join hands to keep our children protected and physically, socially, mentally, emotionally healthy, and their life purposefully meaningful,” Datuin ended.

The flag raising ceremonies last Monday abound with activities; Scout Officials for a Day (SOFAD) turn-over and oath-taking ceremonies, the Ibagiw Creative cities message by City Tourism and Special Events Office (CTSEO) head Engr. Aloysius Mapalo and the overview for the 30th National Children’s Month with Councilors Elmer Datuin and Levy Lloyd Orcales delivered.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice-Mayor Faustino Olowan, City Administrator Bonifacio dela Pena, the councilors led the ceremonies with the employees, scouts and their parents, Boy and Girl Scout of the Philippines officials. – JGF