Vice Mayor April Aguilar with the children participants. (Photo from Las Piñas PIO)
The Las Piñas City government recently brought together children, stakeholders, and local leaders to promote the principles of child participation in governance.
Vice Mayor April Aguilar said the State of the Children’s Address (SOCA) and a Children’s Congress were conducted at the Excelsior Hotel.
Aguilar said the city government held the activities in celebration of National Children’s Month every November.
She said the children representatives actively participated in discussions and activities aimed at amplifying their voices.
The Vice Mayor also said stakeholders also signed a Declaration of Commitment against online and offline abuse and exploitation of children.
The event also served as a platform for young participants to share their views, ensuring their inclusion in local policies and programs concerning their welfare and rights.
Members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children emphasized the city’s commitment to child rights.
Aguilar, during her interaction with the youth participants, underscored the importance of empowering children as active agents of societal change.
She added that the city was guided by the principle of child participation as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
The Las Pinas City government reaffirmed its commitment to ensure that children’s voices are heard and incorporated into governance, policymaking, and program implementation.