This year’s National Children’s Month Celebration beams on the essence of dreams, “Parada ng Pangarap: Bawat Pangarap Patungo sa Ligtas at Malusog na Hinaharap” highlights the children’s right to live in a nurturing and safe society where every child can dauntlessly reach for their dreams. The Gathering took place at People’s Park Ampitheatre, November 26.

Daycare pupils from Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Valenzuela Special Education (ValSPED) students, Bahay Pag-asa children, Muslim children, pregnant teenagers, students from Elementary Schools in Valenzuela, learners from Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Out-of-school Youth flocked for the mini parade and graced the red carpet, wearing their costumes inspired by the profession they want to take when they grow up.

In partnership with UNICEF and its objective to function for children and by children, youth representatives from different groups stepped on stage to share a message, perform a play, and recite their community manifesto. While advocating their rights, relevant issues concerning children and proactive steps towards helping each one be empowered, passionate, and woke are all voiced out.

The Community Manifesto ng Kabataang Valenzuelano were recited by a child representative, “…Sa kabila ng pagsisikap ng aming pangkat, mayroon pa ring karahasan, pang-aabuso at pananamantalang nararanasan ang mga bata sa aming lugar. Ilan sa mga direktang suliraning nararanasan ng mga bata ay ang problema at karahasan sa pamilya, at gender-based bullying…”  […Despite of our group’s effort, there are still violence and abuse experienced by children. Some of the prominent problems are violence and abuse experienced at home, and gender-based bullying…]

Positive Youth Development Network through its project Young Heroes Initiative and SAFER KIDS Valenzuela performed a theatrical play which highlighted the rights of children in the society to instill its importance to the children viewers.

All the while, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) universal declaration of human rights were incorporated in the event, inculcating that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”, before the play, 10 Karapatan ng Bawat Bata sa Lipunan were detailedly discussed.

Mayor WES Gatchalian’s speech also accentuated the four (4) basic child rights: rights to survival, participation, protection, and development. These are all aligned in Valenzuela City’s programs such as the provided training for Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Midwives to mothers, this is under survival rights. The involvement of numerous groups namely Children Representatives, Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), and the Supreme Pupil Government Federation Officers, these are under right to participation. The establishment of Bahay Kalinga at Bahay Pag-asa, under the right to protection. Lastly, the Education 360 Degrees Investment Program which launched in 2014, under developmental rights.

Also, one of the highlights of the celebration was the storytelling of Tiktaktok at Pikpakbum by Valenzuela City Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian who were dressed as a princess. Consequently, Mayor WES and Mayoress Tifanny children, Tara and Liam, handed the prizes to children who answered right to Mayoress’ Q and A session.

On the other hand, one former Bahay Pag asa client from Brgy. Gen. T. De Leon shared his childhood’s life-changing journey, “Isa ako sa mga napariawa at naligaw ng landas, at nang mapunta ako sa Bahay Pag asa, nabigyan ako ng pagkakataong makapagbago. Sa loob, pinagsisihan ko ang mga nagawa kong kasalanan. Paglabas, salamat sa mga taong tumulong sa ‘kin upang makapagtrabaho bilang isang barangay tanod. Maraming salamat sa pamumuno ng LGU, sa pamumuno ni Mayor WES Gatchalian, sa mga konsehal, sa DSWD, sa Bahay Pag-asa…” [I’m one of those who’ve lost track in life, and when Bahay Pag-asa welcomed me, I was given a chance to recalibrate. Inside, I repent my wrongdoings. As I leave (Bahay ng Pag-asa), I’m thankful for the people who helped me as I landed on a job and worked as a barangay tanod. Thank you so much to the LGU, Mayor WES Gatchalian’s leadership, councilors, DSWD, and for Bahay Pag-asa…”]

Furthermore, a parent representative recited Manifesto ng mga Magulang ng Valenzuela City. More representatives also promoted their programs and expressed their advocacies— from duty-bearers who are in a mission of respecting and protecting the rights of children, and Tanghalang Banyuhay Incorporated which is composed of Sangguniang Kabataan and Community Theatre Artists.

To wrap up the jam-packed celebration, certificates were awarded to 21 children whose costumes stood out. Popular professional-inspired costumes were of doctor, nurse, police, engineer, fire fighter, guard, teacher, flight attendant, architect, soldier, and pilot. There was one who even wore a Valenzuela City VCDRRMO rescue costume. There are also some professionals related to arts and physics, such as chef, martial artist, and astronaut.

City Officials Mayor WES Gatchalian and Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, and the Councilors handed the token of appreciation to children for wearing and celebrating their dreams. Escorting during the awarding period is the Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO) Head Ms. Dorothy Go Evangelista who was very hands-on for the celebration’s preparation.  

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