BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga, together with the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC)-Caraga, led the kick-off ceremony of the 29th National Children’s Month (NCM) celebration at SM City Butuan on November 4, 2021.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “New Normal na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!”, and highlights the rights and protection of the children amidst pandemic, focusing on the issues about child abuse and exploitation as children are considered one of the most vulnerable sectors of the community.

To strengthen this advocacy, DSWD and RCWC-Caraga organized the "Kid’s O’Clock" campaign with Isang Minutong Hugong ng Despertador (One-Minute Buzz of the Alarm Clock) to awaken and invite everyone to make an effort in addressing the needs of the children especially in this time of the pandemic.

The kick-off ceremony was participated by DSWD OIC-Regional Director and RCWC Caraga Chairperson, Ramel F. Jamen, together with DSWD Protective Services Division Chief, Jessie Catherine B. Aranas and representatives from other partner-agencies.

Dir. Jamen emphasized that stakeholders must continue the collaboration for the promotion of the rights and welfare of the children and intensify efforts towards implementation of various programs and services that directly address the issues and concerns of the children sector in the communities. 

The said celebration is made possible through Republic Act 10661 or the National Children’s Month Act of 2015 which declares its observance every November with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Youth Commission (NYC) as the chair inter-agencies working group. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)