THE HOUSE of Representatives opened the exhibit “Champions for Children: The 19th Congress’ Legacy of Protecting and Empowering Children” as part of the observance of the 32nd National Children’s Month.

House Committee on the Welfare of Children chairperson Rep. Angelica Natasha Co, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, said the theme is a reminder that HRep’s work for the welfare of children is not just a duty but a shared calling, one that unites us across generations, professions and communities.

She highlighted the promise of brighter future, the potential for growth and a better tomorrow in every child, and how child rights groups and concerned stakeholders must ensure every child’s safety, fostering their development and upholding their rights so that this promise shall be realized.

“This … is the foundation of the 19th Congress’ legacy for our children – a legacy built on meaningful policies, programs, and actions that directly impact their lives,” Co said.

These efforts include the HRep’s advocacy for a comprehensive and responsive civil registration and vital statistics system, as embodied in House Bill 9572 introduced by Speaker Romualdez and Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Jude Acidre and Co, and HB 8823 filed by Rep. Faustino Dy V.

Co explained the importance of lawmakers and advocates as champions for children, saying that every effort, every law and every act taken contributes to a world where children are not only protected but truly empowered to thrive.

Romeo Dongeto, Child Rights Network convenor and Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development and Development executive director, enumerated the gains achieved by the CRN in partnership with the HRep, such as the approval of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, the approval of the Positive Parenting Bill at the Committee level, The Magna Carta of Children Bill and the deliberation by the Committee on Population and Family Relations on the Bill Strengthening the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System.

“Laws have the power to make lasting positive change in the lives of children, and we thank our esteemed legislators for championing children’s rights through these landmark laws recently enacted: the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law, Anti OSAEC or online sexual abuse or exploitation of children Law, Increasing the Age to Determine Statutory Rape,” Dongeto said.

“As we reflect on the progress we’ve made, let us also recognize the path ahead. We must address the persistent challenges that affect children – from poverty to violence and abuse, to access to education and healthcare. And we must do so with a renewed focus on inclusivity, recognizing that every child, regardless of background, has the right to reach their full potential,” Co added.