"Karapatan ng Bawat Bata, Ating Tutukan!"



The Philippines celebrates the National Children’s Month (NCM) every November by virtue of Republic Act No. 10661 to recognize children as the most valuable assets of the nation and to emphasize the importance of their role within the Filipino family and the Philippine society. This declaration commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 November 1989, and seeks to instill its significance in the Filipino consciousness.
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In response to this grave issue, the government has established a commendably strong legal and institutional defense for children. The cornerstone of this protection is the enactment of Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act), which provides a modern, comprehensive framework to penalize perpetrators and impose accountability on technology platforms. Furthermore, the collaborative enforcement model involving the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) has been cited internationally as a successful operational approach for coordinating investigation, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts for child survivors. This demonstrates a dedicated, multi-sectoral approach to upholding the safety, dignity, and rights of the child.

However, the efficacy of this commitment requires continuous vigilance and investment to close persistent implementation gaps, particularly at the local government level. While the legal framework is robust, the challenge lies in consistent, aggressive enforcement and ensuring that all children, regardless of location, have access to protection and rehabilitation services. Furthermore, there is a continuous need to scale up digital literacy and protective education for children, parents, and educators to match the rapid advancements made by online predators. The 2025 theme is not just a commemoration but a renewed call for the entire nation to actively translate its strong legal foundation into lived reality, guaranteeing every child their inherent right to a safe and dignified life both online and offline.


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