PASIG CITY, November 04, 2022 – The Department of Education (DepEd), spearheaded by the Child Protection Unit (CPU), will launch the Bullying Prevention Advocacy Campaign during the observance of the 30th National Children’s Month (NCM) this November.

With the theme #KasamaKa: BaLiK-Aral (Boses, Lakas ng Kabataan at Komunidad sa Balik-Aral), the said campaign will focus on three core aspects: KasamaAko (Adbokasiya Para sa Sarili), KasamaKayo (Adbokasiya para sa Kapwa), and KasamaTayo (Adbokasiya Tungo sa Pagbabago).

“This program aims to recognize schools that deliver positive results for the learners’ well-being. Schools will be assessed based on criteria aligned with the Child Protection Policy Implementation Checklist, principles and objectives of a child-friendly school, focusing on child’s rights, health, protection, and learners’ participation,” the issuance stated.

Furthermore, the anti-bullying advocacy will also make sure the functionality of the child protection committees (CPC); encourage schools to develop their localized child protection policies; and inspire the members of the CPC and the teachers to know the Child Protection Policy and their role as guardians and partners towards its development.

The CPU initiated-program likewise aims to raise teachers’ morale and motivation, mobilize community support for education, and promote learner empowerment and youth participation in advocating for their rights and protection.

In addition, DepEd will officially kick off the observance of National Children’s Month on November 9, featuring discussions on Understanding Learners’ Self-Concept: Me, Myself and I; Bullying Prevention and Safeguarding of Learners and Children; Safe Spaces in the School Setting in the Context of Learners; and Child Participation and Youth Concerns in Child Protection. Moreover, to conclude the month-long event, a Culminating Program will be held on November 25 to be hosted by the Child Protection Unit, in partnership with the Public Affairs Service.

This year’s celebration of NCM shall focus on “Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!” covering four categories of children’s rights: survival rights in the 1st week, development rights in the 2nd week, participation rights in the 3rd week, and protection rights in the final week.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10661, the country has been commemorating National Children’s Month in November every year since the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on November 20, 1989.

For more information, please check the DepEd Memorandum No. 103, series of 2022: https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DM_s2022_103.pdf

END