The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) conducts outreach program and children protection orientation on November 21, 2024 at Datu Mamintal Adiong Memorial National High School, Bubong, Lanao del Sur as part of Bangsamoro Children’s Month Celebration. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
BUBONG, LANAO DEL SUR—The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) brought its outreach program and child protection orientation to Datu Mamintal Adiong Memorial National High School (DMAMNHS) on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
A total of 70 students actively participated in discussions about children’s rights and the laws designed to protect them. The activity was conducted in partnership with the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC), the Council for the Welfare of Children-Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC)-BARMM, the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP), and the Lanao del Sur Public Attorney’s Office. These agencies provided critical information to help students and teachers safeguard children against abuse, violence, and exploitation.
Bai Yasmira Naga Pangadapun, MSSD-Lanao del Sur Provincial Social Welfare Officer, emphasized the importance of educating the youth.
“It is essential that children understand their rights so they can protect themselves and seek help when needed,” said Pangadapun.
Student leaders of DMAMNHS also expressed their support for the initiative.
“Programs like this empower us to become more aware and proactive in protecting our peers,” said Abdulmuiz Dipunudun, DMAMNHS Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) Vice President.
“We are glad to be among the target participants of the Bangsamoro Children’s Month Celebration this year. We’ll make sure to relay the lessons we learned today to the rest of the student body,” added Jhohanna Macalangcom, DMAMNHS Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) President.
After the orientation, each participant received food and non-food items, including a sack of rice, a box of non-perishable goods, an MSSD tumbler, a cap, and an umbrella.
A similar activity was held on November 14, 2024, at the Marawi City Jail, where 70 children of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) also participated.
This initiative aligns with National Children’s Month, established in 2015 through Republic Act No. 10661 signed by former President Benigno Aquino III. Celebrated every November, it highlights the importance of protecting children’s rights and commemorates the inception of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in November 1989. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
