“As an advocate for the youth and the father of this province, I feel this sense of duty to invest in the bright future of Bulacan by ensuring the protection, care, development, and freedom of our children."

This was the message of Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando during the Provincial Children's Congress 2022 held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in the City of Malolos on Wednesday afternoon, Nov.16, before 350 daycare children and parents, Child Development Workers, and Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) child representatives.

He said that as the province of Bulacan celebrates a meaningful month for the youth, he was reminded of what former President Barack Obama once said: "The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create."

To protect the rights of more than 1.2 million Bulakenyo youth, Fernando, chairman of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), highlighted in his Local State of the Children’s Address (SOCA) the most vital children's rights which include survival, development, protection and participation through effective health and education programs, as well as children’s protection from any abuse and harm.

The governor also detailed the province’s effective nutrition program, immunization coverage of children in Bulacan, early childhood care development, and building for child development workers among others.

With the theme "Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!,” two contests were held during the Children’s Congress wherein Syren Caullie D. Carpio, a pupil from Pitpitan Day Care Center from Bulakan town, won first in poem reciting contest; Angel Lyn D. Yuson, a pupil from Balagtas town Heights Day Care Center placed second; and Eliesha Yuen R. Alvez, a pupil from Paliwas Child Development Center from Obando won third place.

For the copy and color competition, Einory Jane DC Pelayo of Buga Child Development Center in San Miguel town won first place; Lia Yzabelle Uliten Carolino from Talbak Day Care Center in Doña Remedios Trinidad placed second; and Cassey Gaile N. Basco of Paltok Day Care Center in Angat won third place.

All the winners in the competitions received a trophy and a pack of groceries courtesy of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and took home P10,000 for first and second placers and P8,000 for third placers.

The non-winners each received a consolation prize of P3,000, a pack of groceries from NGCP, and a certificate of participation.

The winners will represent the province in the Regional Children Congress to be held on November 25, 2022, in the City of San Jose Del Monte.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the lead office of the yearly congress, also distributed module bags to the daycare pupils in the province.