Governor Gonzaga opens the 2023 NCM celebration in DdO

Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga, Chairperson of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), officially opened the monthlong celebration of the 31st National Children’s Month 2023 today, November 6, 2023.

“So children, remember [that] in Davao de Oro we are your protectors because you are our source of pride not only today but surely sa inyung future. Sigurado gyud mi kamo gyud ang amoang ikapasigarbo na mga tarong [ug] ligdong puhon nga mudumala sa atong tagsa-tagsa ka kumunidad,” expressed Governor Gonzaga.

More than hundreds of children in the province participated in the kick-off ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Lobby. They also received School bags sponsored by the Governor and 2nd District Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga.

PNP-FJGAD Chief PCPT Analou Hormigas led the Panatang Makabata while PSWDO Psychometricians Janalaiza Brentana and Angel Praise Dulay conducted a mental health symposium.

Moreover, a motorcade happened earlier in the morning around Poblacion in Nabunturan town to the Provincial Capitol.

Under the theme for this year, “Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All!”, PSWDO Provincial Children Focal Preciosa Toledo emphasized that the focus of this year’s celebration is on children’s access to quality healthcare and nutrition.

She said that this focus emerged “as a result of the online survey and the 2023 National Children’s Month – Children’s Brainstorming Sessions (NCM-CBS)”.

More programs await for children this month as the PCPC lined up activities, championing the four core rights of children, including the right to participation, survival, protection, and development.

By Republic Act 10661, or the National Children’s Month Act, NCM in the Philippines is annually celebrated every November, as it commemorates the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on November 20, 1989. (Jaynus Fernandez, Photos by Albert Dayao)