Student-leaders from selected schools in Agoo, La Union gathered to express their insights and contributions in the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation through the Poster Making and Jingle Making contests.

For this year’s National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, the Home for Girls emphasized the vital role of these student-leaders in creating change in their communities to make a meaningful impact to end such violence.

In the Jingle Making Contest, students from Don Eufemio F. Eriguel Memorial National High School (DEFEMNHS) won the first prize; St. Mary’s Academy, 2nd prize; Agoo Academy, third prize. For the Poster Making Contest, St. Mary’s Academy won the first prize; DEFEMNHS, second prize; and Agoo Academy, third prize.

As the DEFEMNHS winning jingle says, “protect the child all the time, the child deserves a happy life, protect the child, now is the time, future leaders will soon rise”.

Further, the children were reminded of their four basic rights: survival, development, protection, and participation, which was presented by Social Welfare Officer II Melanie Crispin. “Among others, children have the right to an adequate standard of living, health care, education, play, and recreation,” Ms Crispin added.

Ms. Crispin revealed that the possible signs of neglect among children are manifested by begging or hoarding of food, habitual absences, frequent uncleanliness, extreme dependence or attachment, delinquency, prostitution, and stealing. (by: Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II)