DAVAO ORIENTAL – Strongly believing that the children are the hope of the country’s future, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental is strongly pushing for the respect and protection of the rights of children in order to secure them a bright future.
In the second Children Provincial Congress held on November 27, 2019, the provincial government embarked on some important issues that would greatly affect the efforts to sustain the welfare of the children.
Lea Rose Nietes, now of legal age, was chivalrous enough to speak up and share her personal experiences of how she overcame the hurdles of being a single mother at 15.
“I am sharing my life with you because I want you to learn from my experience. I know there will still be challenges along the way, but I guess l had been through my worst,” she said.
Illegal drug use was also a major topic during the conference. Ken Daryl Lagicayan, who was once tempted and got indulged in drugs talked about the Ruining Effects of Drug Addiction.
“Don’t ever try drugs. One try can start to ruin a precious life. One try will lead to another, and eventually addiction. It is better to focus on worthwhile things,” he said, strongly urging his audience to spread the word to their loved ones.
Meanwhile, despite earlier controversies, the conditional cash transfer program of the government has proven its worth.
Juhan Dave Tompo, a student from the Mati National Comprehensive High School (MNCHS), was exuding with gratitude as he relayed how the 4P’s helped his family and on his education.
“If not for the 4P’s I could not have continued with my education. My family is not earning sufficiently. Students with the same situation as mine can now be confident that there is a way to go on despite financial constraints,” he furthered.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Sarah Gudes reiterated the relentless efforts of the provincial government, led by Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang, to help address the needs of the children.
“We are exhausting measures for the children. We have programs for the children through the help also of the Council for the Protection of Children. We recognize the children as the ones who are next in line, next at the helm of the country,” she said.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Marietta Palmera, who is the committee chair on Women, Children and Family, expressed her all-out support to the holding of the congress, a way to affirm the provincial government’s commitment of an inclusive governance, including of course, the children.
“Needless to say, all our undertakings are geared towards, and will prove that we mean it when we also say that no children will be left behind. They are our treasure. They will follow as the shapers of this country and this province. They deserve a good future, and let us not deprive them of that,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, Gudes said that the congress is an avenue to discover the talents and potentials of the children, and hone them, with the different competitions prepared for the children, like song solo competition, poster making competition, essay writing, and extemporaneous speaking competition.
She added that the competitions will also boost the confidence of the children and will make them more productive.
The second Children Provincial Congress is in line with the 27th National Children’s Month celebration. It was spearheaded by the provincial government of Davao Oriental in coordination with the Department of Education through the Davao Oriental and the City of Mati Schools Division.
The event which was held at the Honey’s Hotel and Restaurant, City of Mati was participated by parents, teachers, students, pupils, and other stakeholders. By Neela Duallo/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
