THE DEPARTMENT of Education opened this year’s National Children’s Month celebration with discussions on bullying reduction and securing child well-being in schools.

During the kick-off program, representatives from DepEd’s Child Protection Unit and Youth Formation Division, and Stairway Foundation, Inc. discussed topics such as Understanding Learners’ Self-Concept, Safe Spaces in School Settings, Bullying Prevention and Child Participation and Youth concerns.

Consistent with the national theme “Kalusugan, kaisipan, at kapakanan ng bawat bata ating tutukan!”, DepEd’s NCM will cover four categories of children’s rights including survival rights, development rights, participation rights, and protection rights for the whole month of November.

“The virtual kick-off program manifests DepEd’s renewed focus and sustained efforts to invest in our learners and increase their awareness of the importance of mental health,” Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a video message.

Special celebrations for children will also be observed simultaneously in every DepEd Regional Office, Schools Division Office, and school.

The 30th NCM aims to acknowledge the magnitude of the mental health concerns among children pre- and during the Covid19 pandemic and meet and improve the mental health of Filipino children through activities that respond to the categories of children’s rights.

“I am positive that this celebration of the 30th National Children’s Month will spark more meaningful initiatives to create an informed, highly self-aware generation of learners,” Duterte-Carpio said.

DepEd also launched its bullying prevention campaign that ensures the function of child protection committees and promotes community participation in advocating for child rights and protection.

“Every contribution, whether it’s taking part in a school or community event, looking out for someone being bullied, or raising awareness through conversation makes a difference and changes lives. Look for ways to get involved,” Suzette Gannaban-Medina, CPU OIC-Director III, said.