Batang Protektado, Batang may Bukas!

Celebrating children’s month with a jam-packed experience, Valenzuela City Mayor WES Gatchalian together with the Council for the Welfare of Children and UNICEF Philippines kickstarted the National Children’s Month Celebration with a Parada ng Pangarap at the Valenzuela City People’s Park Amphitheater, November 14. 

For three consecutive years, Valenzuela City is celebrating the children’s month through a Parada ng Pangarap where the children-participants could wear the costume of their dream careers. This highlights the theme, “Batang Protektado, Batang may Bukas,” — that children can reach their dreams if they are protected. This is also anchored with the national theme, “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.”

About a thousand participants walked on the red carpet wearing their best costume. These children were from Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), students from ALS, clients of Bahay Kalinga and Bahay Pag-asa, Boys Scout and Girls Scout, and youth leaders from different barangays to name a few. 

In his State of the Children Address, Mayor WES Gatchalian reiterated the program of Valenzuela City on child protection. Programs in place such as the Valenzuela City Protection Center and the Child Protection Policy are creating a safe and child-friendly Valenzuela. Through this initiative, Valenzuela City proudly won its 8th Galing Pook Award, and Special Citation on Participatory Governance because of its “whole-of-city approach” – acknowledging the success of the program because of the valuable participation and contribution of the stakeholders, national agencies, civic organizations, schools, industries, among others. 

Meanwhile, making the celebration full of fun and excitement while instilling the importance of the children’s rights, engaging games and activities were also held for the children to participate and learn. 

Furthermore, CWC Executive Director Usec. Angelo Tapales turned over the 4th National Plan of Action for Children and the Local Council for the Protection of Children Toolkit together with the City Government of Valenzuela to the child representatives, reaffirming their support and commitment in ending the violence against children. 

To wrap up the celebration, kids chosen as the Best in Costume received a token courtesy of Mayora Tiffany Gatchalian. Loot bags and booths were also prepared for all the participants. 

Also gracing the children’s month celebration were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad Borja, City Councilors, Chief on Social Welfare Operations Ms. Dorothy Evangelista, members of the Valenzuela City LCPC, Unicef Chief of Child Protection Ms. Patricia Lim Ah Ken, teachers, students, and parents. 

###