THE MANILA Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) officially kicked off the 34th National Children’s Month celebration on November 4, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their safety, preparedness, and overall well-being.

The opening ceremony carried the theme, “Stand Up, Respond and Care: With Prepared Children, the Nation is Safer,” emphasizing the role of child protection and preparedness in building safer communities.

The celebration began with an Advocacy Walk from Kartilya ng Katipunan to Manila City Hall, participated in by daycare students, child representatives, persons with disabilities, solo parents, members of the Manila Council for the Protection of Children, and city government employees.

Various interactive activities and information booths were also mounted by city government offices and partner organizations, including the Public Employment Service Office-Manila, MDSW-Manila Manpower Development Center, MDSW-MBTC Likha ng Batang Maynila, Office of the City Administrator, Manila Health Department, ASMAE Philippines, and the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department.

These activities aimed to raise public awareness and provide participants with valuable information on children’s rights, protection, safety, disaster preparedness, and welfare.

The Manila City Government, through the MDSW, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a child-friendly community where every child’s rights are respected, voices are heard, and welfare is safeguarded.