3RD MUNICIPAL CHILDREN’S CONGRESS EQUIPS CHILD REPRESENTATIVES THROUGH 3-DAY TRAINING AND FELLOWSHIP

Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines

Battling the prevalence of violence against children remains a vital goal for the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich. This year, the LGU hosted the 3-day 3rd Municipal Children’s Congress through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) at Alomah’s Place and Nature Farm, Barangay Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, from November 18 to 20, 2024.

Participants of the congress included two barangay child representatives from each of the 22 barangays of Manolo Fortich. These participants, aged 10–15 years, were joined by the Municipal Academe Female Child Representative, Xyiane Daphne A. Blanila, the Municipal Academe Male Child Representative, Charlo C. Laurilla, and the Municipal IP Male Child Representative, KJ Tayros.

In his inspiring message, Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño reminded the participants of their responsibility as leaders in their barangays, “You are our official future leaders. Ang atong kaugmaon sa lungsod, kamo mga kabatan-onan. You young leaders importante nga sa inyong mga barangay matapok ninyo inyong mga kauban nga kabatan-onan. All of these programs, even this congress, is for the benefit of the people and Manolo Fortich.”

The 3-day congress focused on leadership development through modules such as Workshop and Lecture on Leadership Styles and Servant Leadership. Other activities included an Interactive Lecture on Children’s Rights and Digital Citizenship and Social Media Playbook. The training also enhanced participants' communication skills through activities like formulating a Proposal to a Project Presentation and Basic First Aid Training to prepare them for emergencies.

Committee Chairperson on Women, Children, and Childcare, Coun. Joy L. Cordovez, emphasized in her welcoming remarks the importance of these topics in equipping children to combat violence, “Hinaot sa tulo ka adlaw makabalo kamo gikan sa mga seminar ug workshops hilabina unsaon paglikay sa pang abuso sa mga kabataan, makabalo mo unsaon pagtabang sa inyong mga kauban, ug pagpangayo og tabang sa mga authorities dinhi sa Manolo Fortich.”

In response, Barangay Damilag Child Representative Kian Cedrick C. Armodia, aged 14, shared in an interview how the training will help him become socially aware and assist others, “Looking forward ko sa mga signs of abuse sa mga bata ug unsaon paghelp sa ila kay ang uban man gusto mutabang pero dili sila kabalo unsaon. So, matudluan mi unsaon namo kung naa bay mga hotline number, unsaon pag handle og uban pa.”

This year’s theme for the 3rd Municipal Children’s Congress, “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines,” underscores the importance of educating children to ensure their safety and security amidst the threats of child violence.