ANTIQUE – This province has marked the culmination of the 33rd National Children’s Month celebration, emphasizing the theme “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”
OSAEC stands for Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children, and CSAEM refers to Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials, both emphasized during the celebration.
The activity, held at the event center of City Mall-Antique, reinforced calls to end both online and offline forms of child abuse.
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Bienvinido E. Nallos, Jr., lead convenor of the Child Friendly Movement Team, emphasized that this year’s celebration focuses on justice, peace, and a hopeful future, urging everyone to strengthen programs that empower children.
Nallos noted that despite poverty, hope persists, and protecting, listening to, and supporting children ensures a secure future.
He also acknowledged the efforts of parents, teachers, social workers, and advocates in uplifting the province’s youth.
Also part of the celebration was the expression of upholding the rights of children through the “Panaad Makibata,” a commitment to uphold the rights of children ceremony led by engineer Guillermo Clemente of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, while Avril P. Tongcua, a student of Antique National School, delivered the response expressing solidarity for child protection.
Provincial Board Member Joseph Eugene D. Alojipan, chairperson on Family, Women, Children, and Gender Concerns, stressed the community’s shared responsibility to safeguard children, warning that neglect can lead to serious consequences, including mental and emotional trauma.
For his part, Provincial Administrator Robin Rubinos presented the 2024 State of the Children Report, citing recorded cases of Violence Against Children.
He urged government agencies and barangay officials to help the victims and eventually stop the abuses against women and children.
The event highlighted continued collaboration among local government, partner agencies, schools, and the community to combat OSAEC and CSAEM, reinforcing Antique’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, dignity, and welfare. (PIA)
