Antique deliver its four gifts to children
SAN JOSE, Antique – The Provincial Government of Antique through the Child Friendly Movement Team delivered the four gifts to children in celebration of the Children’s day. A grand parade participated in by children from different schools, child rights dutybearers and stakeholders opened the celebration on Monday at EBJ Freedom Park.
Speaking before hundreds of children who gathered at the park, Vice Governor Rhodora Cadiao delivered the State of the Children Report 2009 of the Province of Antique as one of the four gifts to children, noting the accomplishments and gains achieved in the four categories of child’s rights namely, survival, development, protection and participation.
Aside from the State of the Children’s Report delivered every year by Governor Salvacion Perez, other gifts include Children’s Code implemented through Provincial Ordinance No. 2005-026, Local Development Plan for Children integrated in the Executive-Legislative Agenda approved through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 029-2006 and Investment Plan for Children approved through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2-2008.
The report further noted that children population in the province summed up to 210,629 based on 2000 census. Children referred to are those with age zero to below 17 years old. This was defined under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Director Ariel Valencia, of the Department of Health Region 6, one of the speakers during the program underscored the importance of taking care of the children, developing their talents and skills to ensure bright future for them. He also said that the Department of Health is committed to support the improvement of health system in Antique especially the upgrading of Angel Salazar General Memorial Hospital.
Meanwhile, SP member Rosie A. Dimamay, Chair SP Committee on Women and Children during the program said that children are important asset of the nation, thus their rights should be upheld. There is also a need to raise the level of awareness of the people especially child rights dutybearers to protect children from all forms of abuse and violence.
The children also enjoyed tasting/eating foods (hotdogs, ices cream, squid balls) and games (parlor and indigenous games) -Palarong Pambata at the park with prizes and tokens for participating groups and schools.
Children’s Day culminated with showcase of dances and songs where more than 500 children from 38 participating schools provincewide performed at the park. These children have undergone workshops and trainings on songs, dances and theatrical presentations for the past weeks facilitated by the Provincial Government. (PS Mabaquiao/PIA)
