Beyond the Bowl: Honoring the Right to Life in the 2023 National Children's Month

2023 National Children's Month

    Every November, the Philippines echoes with the joyous clamor of the National Children's Month (NCM) celebration. This year, however, the festivities resonated with a deeper purpose, carrying the poignant theme: "Healthy, Nourished, Sheltered: Ensuring the Right to Life for All."

    Beyond the traditional parades and talent shows, the 2023 NCM focused on the fundamental needs that underpin a child's well-being. The theme resonated with the ongoing struggles against malnutrition, inadequate healthcare access, and the lack of safe and secure housing for many Filipino children.

    Through advocacy campaigns and community events, the NCM served as a powerful platform to amplify these challenges. Organizations like Save the Children Philippines hosted forums on positive parenting, while initiatives like the "Tayo ang Pasko: Beyond the Bowl" campaign aimed to tackle hunger and inequality. These efforts underscored the importance of collective action in ensuring every child's right to a healthy, secure, and fulfilling life.

    The celebrations were not merely symbolic. The NCM also saw concrete steps towards a brighter future for children. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, along with other government agencies, spearheaded initiatives to improve healthcare access, promote proper nutrition, and provide safe housing options for vulnerable families.

    While the festivities have concluded, the spirit of the 2023 NCM lingers. The theme serves as a constant reminder that protecting children's right to life goes beyond mere survival. It encompasses access to quality healthcare, nutritious meals, and safe shelter – the cornerstones of a child's healthy development and a brighter future.

    As we move forward, let us carry the lessons of the 2023 NCM close to our hearts. Let us continue advocating for policies that prioritize children's well-being, supporting initiatives that address their fundamental needs, and working towards a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

References:

National Anti-Poverty Commission. (2023, November 10). 2023 NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MONTH. https://napc.gov.ph/%F0%9D%9F%AE%F0%9D%9F%AC%F0%9D%9F%AE%F0%9D%9F%AF-%F0%9D%97%A1%F0%9D%97%94%F0%9D%97%A7%F0%9D%97%9C%F0%9D%97%A2%F0%9D%97%A1%F0%9D%97%94%F0%9D%97%9F-%F0%9D%97%96%F0%9D%97%9B%F0%9D%97%9C%F0%9D%97%9F/

ReliefWeb. (2023, November 23). Children Call for Rights Awareness in the Celebration of the National Children's Month - Philippines. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/889060/children-s-rights-awareness-highlighted-in-national-children-s-month-celebration/story/

Philippine Information Agency. (2023, November 13). Health, nutrition of kids focus of NCM 2023. https://pia.gov.ph/news/2023/11/13/health-nutrition-of-kids-focus-of-ncm-2023

DepEd Tayo - ISNHS Supreme Secondary Learner Government - SSLG Facebook Page. (2023, November 23). https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=864602772334836&set=pcb.864605339001246

Learning is Not to Know, But to Understand

Kirby says "Goodbye 1st Quarter!"

    "I have finally reached the end for 1st quarter!" is something that I have been dying to say since the school year has started. It has been a long journey and I want to share my reflections for this quarter.

    Firstly, I have gained numerous learnings and discoveries; experiences that have made me say "Waew!". I have learned how to appreciate the lessons that have been taught to me by wonderful teachers. Additionally, I have applied some in my everyday life and have become a better person overall. I have learned that these lessons are not just for the sake of learning , but it is also a way for us to improve on our core values and work ethics; lessons, which are words of wisdom, that made me appreciate the art of learning.

        Secondly, I have encountered difficulties in understanding these lessons, which is what I was referring to as the art of learning. After classes, I may know essential terms used in the lesson, but it does not mean I truly understand it. I believe that the art of learning is not to know, but to understand. To understand a lesson, from whatever subject, I can learn how to apply this knowledge in real-life applications. Thus, when I don't truly understand something, I just come to my computer and I say "Hey, I don't understand this pichapie.", in technical terms, I go to the computer, open up a search engine and type in the concepts or lessons I don't fully understand.

        Lastly, moving on, from these lessons, I will now find a way to apply these in my life. From appreciating the nature around me to developing an IoT security paradigm, which is my research topic. Overall, I feel grateful for the experience thus far and I am ready to embark on quests in the following quarters. Goodbye 1st Quarter and hello 2nd Quarter!