Several landmarks around the country were illuminated in blue last Sunday, Nov. 20, to join the world in celebrating World Children’s Day.
In an aim to deliver the message “that every child everywhere has a story to tell, regardless of their gender, race, status, and capabilities,” the Rizal Monument, the SM MOA Globe, the Office of the Bangsamoro Chief Minister, the Provincial Capitol of Dinagat Island, and major expressways under the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, all lit up in blue on Sunday.
“Regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other status, every child deserves to be included and celebrated, as well as protected against all forms of discrimination,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.
“Children must have a say in decisions that affect them. Listening to their voices is crucial for inclusive development,” he added.
In the UNICEF U-Report poll conducted from September to October, it showed that almost half a million young people around the world who took part said that discrimination is common in their environments such as school, community, or workplace.
Almost half of these children also felt that discrimination had impacted their lives or that of someone they know in a significant manner, the report showed.
Children with disabilities, those who belong to indigenous groups, living in poverty, and those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas are among those considered the most vulnerable children in the country.
The “Sigaw ng Kabataan, Walang Iwanan,” a World Children’s Day event, was also held to celebrate children and their voices, which included a children’s event at the SM Mall of Asia and a three-day Children’s Congress, in cooperation with the Cotabato City Government.
Children from Southern Leyte, Caraga Region, Cotabato, and Valenzuela also teamed up with creatives using dance, film, and photography.
Capacity-building activities were also held by UNICEF to help enable children and youth groups to advocate for their own rights.