COTABATO CITY (Nov. 21, 2022) — The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) took part in the celebration of the World Children’s Day on Sunday, Nov. 20, in this city, to promote international togetherness, awareness and improvement of children’s welfare.
The celebration was marked by #GoBlueCampaign, where the Office of the Chief Minister building was illuminated with blue lights after several performances by children and youth representatives.
With the theme “Sigaw ng Kabataan: Walang Iwanan!”, the celebration was led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), together with the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), City Government of Cotabato, ChildFund, Community and Family Services International, Plan International, and Save the Children.
BYC Chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong said the Commission will continue its endeavors to promoting the children and young people’s rights and providing them with appropriate platforms for their voices to be heard and given importance and weight in the Bangsamoro Government.
“The BYC is manifesting its support to the call for better future for the children and young people in our region by listening to their ideas and demands, and transforming them into policies and policy recommendations to the regional government,” Macasalong said.
MSSD Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie said their ministry is implementing programs that promote the protection of child rights and ensure their right to live in peaceful communities.
“The protection of the children’s rights is enshrined in our legal framework and policies. This is because every child has the right to a meaningful childhood,” Jajurie said.
Radoslaw Rzehak, chief of UNICEF Mindanao Field Office, said the #GoBlueCampaign encourages the creation of a safer and healthier environment for children. It is geared towards giving better future for every child and amplifying the voices of young people.
“The children don’t have to ask for their rights — and they have it. It is the responsibility of the adults and the government to make it happen. Every child has the right to claim their rights,” Rzehak said.
The celebration is held annually to commemorate the day when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
Also present in the program were Conmissioner Nasserudin Dunding, Cotabato City Administrator Atty. Aelan Arumpac, and representatives from several partners. (BYC PR Unit/RMM)
