The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has affected children as much as it did adults.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will seek to address the needs of children and how they can be protected further as the 2021 National Children’s Month (NCM) is celebrated in November.

In a statement on Monday, the DSWD said they will give attention to the difficulties experienced by children in the new normal setting and address concerns on their rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.

“The celebration will continue with the gains of the previous NCM celebrations, which is anchored on the 3rd National Plan of Action for Children goals to progressively realize the rights of children,” the agency said.

DSWD partnered with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the National Youth Commission (NYC), and other government agencies and organizations to celebrate the event.

By virtue of Republic Act 10661, the NCM is an annual celebration that commemorates the significance of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on Nov. 20, 1989.

“It also aims to strengthen the call for public awareness and support in protecting and promoting the rights of children,” the DSWD added.

The month-long activity highlights the theme, “New Normal na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan (No One is Left Behind under the New Normal: Focus on Children’s Rights)”.

All activities of the NCM celebration will be held virtually, particularly on the Facebook page of CWC (www.facebook.com/CWCgovph/) and crossposted at DSWD Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dswdserves/.

The celebration kicks off with Talakayang Makabata (Discussions on Children): The Virtual Press Conference on Tuesday to discuss issues concerning children’s rights during the pandemic.

It will be attended by representatives from the DSWD, CWC, NYC, and other concerned agencies.

On November 3, the online kickoff ceremony of NCM will be held.

It will feature messages of support from children, youth leaders, national agency partners, and child rights supporters and advocates.

On all Saturdays of November, learning sessions with children will also be conducted by the CWC and Consuelo Foundation, which works on the prevention and treatment of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children, women, and their families.

On November 26, there will be culminating activities and awarding of winners of the NCM logo-making contest. (PNA)