Davao de Oro's 2022 National Children's Month to raise mental health awareness and more interventions

To boost advocacy on the welfare and protection of children, the provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), successfully participated in the 30th National Children's Month (NCM) kick-off ceremony held at the Capitol lobby on November 8, 2022.

This year's theme, “Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan,” focused on the mental health and well-being of children after the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) found out that in 2021 mental health was among the problems encountered by children due to the pandemic.

Around 400 children participated in the festivities, as they received loot bags, party snacks, and being entertained by clown shows. Filipina child star/actress Yesha Camile also gave an inspirational message and song for the children.

Meanwhile, Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga administered the oath to parents and teachers (Panatang Makabata), emphasizing the importance of protecting children's rights.

"Special Month ni ninyu mga bata ... tanang makaayu ninyu buhaton namo ... kaming tanan diri nga mga dili bata... palangga kaayu mo namo" matud ni Gov. Gonzaga.

Provincial Child Welfare Focal Preciosa Toledo said in an interview that the provincial government will continue to strengthen its mental health support services for children. Such interventions include psychosocial treatments, counseling, family therapy, support hotlines, and among others that are in line with their rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.

"Pakusgan nato ang mga programang hisgutanan on protection of our children. Ang atong opisina sa PSWDO andam kaayu nga muhatag sa serbisyo (ug) ginapakusgan nato ang adbokasiya kung unsaon nato pag-detect ang atong mga bata nga naa nay mga issues on mental health" Toledo said.

Ms. Toledo added that more programs await the children this month that include the provincial children's congress and Bulilit Fun Day which will be participated by the day care children of the province.

Further, on the culmination day, November 28, 2022, Governor Gonzaga will be presenting her Local State of the Children's Report as part of the month-long activities.

Under Republic Act 10661, the month of November is designated as NCM celebration to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989. (JF, Photos by A. Dayao)

Which is a better place to live, Davao or Cebu? Why?

Any of the two, actually. Both cities are bustling metropolitans here in the Philippines; with constant economic growth and paradise-like sceneries. But to guide you better, check on some pointers laid down below. I’ve also attached some video highlights to entice you more to choose any of these two amazing cities! *winks*

Why choose Davao?

• Listed as one of the safest cities in the world
• An ideal place for start-up businesses and entrepreneurial ventures
• Much fresher air and cleaner environment
• Cheap cost of living
• Not so much of a metropolitan as there is less skyscrapers and buildings

Why choose Cebu?

• Have access to better quality of life and better standard of healthcare
• Experience a metro lifestyle with a provincial rate
• Considered as an economic hotspot (well or course, second to Manila)
• More ideas for recreational activities
• The entire island is laid with the best beaches, waterfalls, and mountain tops to make you feel like one with nature.

One might argue that these two cities are both heaven here on earth. I am not saying that it is but rather you’re more likely to achieve a relaxing, calming, and laidback way of living in these cities rather than in Metro Manila.

Cebu Tour Highlights and Davao Tour Highlights

Marcos to raise South China Sea issue if he meets Xi at ASEAN Summits

by Joseph Pedrajas

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has promised to bring up issues on the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea with Chinese President Xi Jinping if he meets him here.

Ahead of his participation at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits on Wednesday here, Marcos made the pronouncement after saying “it’s impossible” for him to talk to China “without mentioning that.”

“Those kinds of discussions, especially with the West Philippine Sea, I’m hoping to do that with Chinese President… ‘Yun ang magiging isang subject matter na pag-uusapan namin (That’s one of the subject matters we’ll possibly talk about),” he told reporters onboard the presidential plane in an interview after departing Manila before 6 p.m. 

It is not yet confirmed if Marcos will get the chance to sit down with Xi, although China is participating in the summits.

Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN

The Philippines and China are among the countries that have territorial claims over the contested waters in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is claiming the West Philippine Sea, a part of the South China Sea, by citing the 2016 Arbitral Ruling in The Hague, which turned in favor of the former. But China has rejected it by unilaterally citing its historical nine-dash line. 

Aside from Xi, Marcos is also expected to talk about the South China Sea dispute before his fellow leaders from other ASEAN members.

In the same interview, Marcos said countries having claims in the South China Sea must first come up with an agreement in handling their differences as he lamented about the slow progress in the crafting of the code of conduct in the disputed area.

He believed it is only necessary for claimants of the South China Sea—namely the Philippines, China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam—to “find an area of consensus” as much as it is necessary for them to resolve the issue of competing claims. “But to do that we have to first status quo everything,” he said.

The President said claimants had actually had previous declarations on the South China Sea, which he said “is one of the many suggestions that I’m hoping to bring.”

Currently, claimants in the SCS are making efforts to come up with a Code of Conduct, but developments on that are slow, he added.

“It’s not really moving forward,” the President said. 

Recently, the Department of Foreign Affairs bared there was already a breakthrough on the issue by saying “there is already a sort of agreement” among ASEAN countries and China on what to do during certain situations in the disputed waters to avoid escalation of tension.

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos asserted the Philippines’ rights over the parts of the South China Sea, particularly the West Philippine Sea, when he said that he would not surrender even an inch of the country’s territory.