Vice President Sara Duterte on World Children’s Day underscored the need to “listen” and “amplify” the voices of children because their “perspectives are crucial in shaping” the world.
Vice President Sara Duterte (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page)
In a message for the World Children’s Day on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the former secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) also urged the public to act for the rights of the youth and the world they will inherit.
With the theme, “Listen to the Future,” this year’s celebration calls on everyone to “to pay attention to the hopes, dreams, and ideas of young people.”
“As we listen, let us amplify their voices, recognizing that every child has the right to express themselves and be heard. Their perspectives are crucial in shaping a world that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable,” she said.
“Nawa’y tayo ay kumilos para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kabataan at ng mundong kanilang mamanahin (May we act for the rights of our youth and the world that they will inherit),” she added.
Noting that children “are not just the leaders of tomorrow,” but are “valuable contributors” today, Duterte expressed hope that they would be free to express themselves.
“Sama-sama tayong lumikha ng mga espasyo kung saan ang mga bata ay makakapagbahagi ng kanilang mga saloobin, malayang maipahayag ang kanilang damdamin, makapagbigay-inspirasyon ng pagbabago, at maging isang bata na walang takot at malayo sa panganib (Together, let us create spaces where children can express their thoughts, freely express their feelings, provide inspiration for change, and be able to live without fear and danger),” Duterte stressed.
According to the United Nations, the World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day.
It is celebrated on Nov. 20 each year “to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.”