𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒, 𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘
The Cebu Provincial Government has revived its annual Children’s Congress, an event last held under former Gov. Hilario Davide III.
Held today at the Capitol Social Hall, this year’s celebration aligns with the 2025 National Children’s Month theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”
OSAEC and CSAEM refer to “Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children” and “Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials,” key concerns addressed by Republic Act No. 11930.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer-in-Charge Marirose Lopez said the event underscores the Capitol’s commitment to ensuring that every child grows up safe, valued, and protected—upholding their rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.
The Congress gathered 125 children aged 3 to 5 from 24 local government units, accompanied by their parents, guardians, LGU staff, and daycare workers. Participants enjoyed activities including a draw-and-tell competition, singing, and folk dance contests.
In her first State of the Children’s Address (SOCA), Gov. Pamela Baricuatro emphasized the need to create safer, more child-friendly communities through collaboration with public and private partners. This initiative will safeguard children’s rights and support their aspirations.
“My dear children, you are not just the future—you are Cebu’s joy, Cebu’s strength, and Cebu’s hope today,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
To advance children’s welfare, the governor pledged to strengthen community-based child protection mechanisms and programs against online exploitation and abuse. She also vowed to build more daycare centers meeting national standards, establish child-friendly spaces, and provide mental health services in daycare centers, schools, and barangays.
Additionally, Gov. Baricuatro made a commitment to support more programs, including immunization, nutrition, supplemental feeding, improved dental care, and enhanced training for Child Development Workers.
“You are not small in the eyes of the government. You are our priority. You are Cebu’s future leaders,” she added./photos YGB
Check this also: Gov. Pam Baricuatro Praises NGOs for Compassion at DSWD ABSNET Cebu Meeting
