NCM 2025: Making Caraga a safe space for every child
By Niña Jonalyn-Diamante
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| The NCM 2025 celebration in Caraga stands as a powerful testament to the region’s steadfast commitment to upholding the rights and protection of every child—even amid the challenges posed by natural hazards and adversity. Through coordinated efforts, heartfelt advocacy, and inclusive programming, Caraga continues to envision a safe, nurturing environment where children’s voices are heard, their needs prioritized, and their futures safeguarded. (NJGD/PIA Caraga) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Despite the inclement weather brought about by Typhoon Tino, the Caraga Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC), led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, successfully launched the National Children’s Month (NCM) 2025 celebration in Butuan City, reaffirming its commitment to making Caraga a safe space for children.
The kick-off program gathered members of the RCWC composed of government agencies and civil society organizations (CSOs) in a unified stand against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). This year’s theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata Ipaglaban” (End OSAEC-CSAEM: Fight for the Safety and Rights of the Child), underscores the urgency of protecting children in the digital age.
In a recorded message, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed his solidarity through a recorded message: This year’s theme is more than just a call—it is a collective duty. As one concerned society, we must act together and we must act now.”
Gatchalian also acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital age in protecting children. “To every Filipino, be digitally vigilant. Be compassionate. And be part of the solution. The DSWD together with the CWC and our partner stakeholders, reaffirms our unwavering commitment to protect the child’s dignity, and create a safe and child-friendly digital nation,” he added.
Earlier this year, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) conducted a national online brainstorming session with child representatives to identify pressing issues affecting them. The participants raised concerns over the dangers of social media and the far-reaching impacts of digital abuse.
“Bullying experiences of children usually leave lasting emotional and psychological harm, with some children carrying the effects of online abuse even until adulthood,” said Jessie Catherine Aranas, chief of the Protective Services Division of DSWD Caraga.
Aranas emphasized that child abuse often leads to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. “There are even some, if not given the proper intervention, are unable to bear the emotional pain and may turn to self-harm,” she added.
“On an international level, our theme also supports the four clustered rights emphasized by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), particularly the right to protection. We must exert all efforts to protect our children to not become victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation,” Aranas further stated.
A key initiative highlighted during the event was the Caraga Child Advocates Network (CAN), a regional, child-led organization officially recognized by the RCWC. Comprising members aged 10 to 17, Caraga CAN empowers children to advocate for their rights and well-being through school-based and community initiatives.
Representing the youth sector, 16-year-old Aaliyah Celine M. Puyo, the ‘little executive’ director of Caraga CAN, delivered a heartfelt message during the program: “Today marks not only a celebration but a beginning of a continuous fight for every child’s safety, dignity, providing them with the right avenue to dream freely. May this inspire us to listen more, care deeper, and inspire others to also act stronger,” she said.
Puyo concluded with a powerful reminder: “The children are not just the hope of the future, but the heart of it. And so let us all stand together to ensure that every child grows in a safe and secure environment.”
The NCM 2025 celebration in Caraga stands as a powerful testament to the region’s steadfast commitment to upholding the rights and protection of every child—even amid the challenges posed by natural hazards and adversity. Through coordinated efforts, heartfelt advocacy, and inclusive programming, Caraga continues to envision a safe, nurturing environment where children’s voices are heard, their needs prioritized, and their futures safeguarded. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
