“Komunidad at Pamahalaan Magkaisa, Pang-aabuso sa Bata Wakasan na!” is this year’s theme for the Regional Children’s Month Celebration.  For commemoration, the DSWD FO1 invited selected Day Care children regionwide, members of the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children, Regional Federation of Day Care Workers, and Local Government Units.

In the speech of Vigan City Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina delivered by City Councilor George Villanueva, all children should always be protected and molded to become responsible citizens.

Governor Ryan Singson ably represented by Board Member Jeremiah Singson also stated that every child should be free from harm, abuse, and neglect. He challenged all the participants to do their part in protecting and defending the rights of the children.

One of the highlights of this celebration was the State of the Regional Children’s Address (SORCA) by DSWD FO1 Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo. The SORCA focused on the concern of children to survival, development, protection, and participation rights which pave the way towards achievement of a child-friendly environment and governance.

Regional winners for the most friendly cities and municipalities were also given due recognition. This is based on the Child Friendly Local Governance Audit 2015 Result. The awardees are as follows: Bacnotan and Pugo, La Union; Dumalneg and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

Another highlight was the simultaneous Regional Day Care Competition on Singing and Draw and Tell where talented Day Care Children competed. Their renditions were modified romantic, folk, and modern songs with lyrics evolved from children’s rights and their proper care and protection calling for participation of the community. Draw and Tell contestants also articulated their drawings on community involvement on child protection.

Chelsea Faye Cabacungan from Laoag City was hailed as the winner in the Singing contest followed by Rayma Allijah Ormita from La Union and Alvin Jay Elagado from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Meanwhile, Sherbit Vien Calderon from Batac City, Ilocos Norte topped the Draw and Tell Competition followed by Aliah Nicole Canono from La Union and Jhaynic Dhimpzie R. Hernaez from Ilocos Sur.

The winners received a certificate and a cash prize of P5,000.00, P3,000.00, and P2,000.00, respectively, for each category while all the non-winners went home with consolation prize worth P1,000.00 each and a certificate. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya)