In celebration of the National Children’s Month (NCM), the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) brought worthwhile activities to the Kankanaey community in Brgy. Danac, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur.

The locality was reached through a two to three-hour trek from the Poblacion. Walking under the scorching heat of the sun, braving muscle pain, going against or being pulled by gravity in the hilly and rocky roads were among the challenges in getting to this Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA). Transportation is still a dream to the whole barangay.

With this year’s theme, “Bata: Iligtas sa Droga (Youth: Save from Drugs)” which supports the Administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign, the Pantawid Pamilya Regional Program Management Office believes that every child can be free from drugs through engaging them to community service and protecting them from any diseases.

In partnership with the Provincial Health Office of Ilocos Sur and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture, a medical mission and tree and seed planting were conducted.

All the residents were given free medical services and food packs. They also enjoyed parlor games where they took home prizes and other early Christmas gifts for their family.

According to Tribal Leader Timoteo Saliw-an, this outreach activity is the answer to their prayers. This is their very first time to host visitors from government agencies, and they were grateful of the services given to them.

Republic Act No. 10661 declares the month of November of every year as NCM Celebration.  This declaration commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989, and seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/Pantawid Pamilya)