In my personal advocacy, I always believe that child protection is considered a universal right essential to the survival and development of children. This right SHOULD first be protected and given by the state to our vulnerable population--the children. Many social scientists and political analyst believes that abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination are grave threats to the development of children, its citizenry and the whole community as a whole. But reality strikes us on the face---children now faces more abuses, exploitation and rejection. Every client in my center has their own stories to tell. Everyday, I am faced with the different faces of childhood pains and stuggle. Every child/teen gives me the urgent reason to start immediately whatever things I can do to help children one at a time–simply because the children cannot wait. They are the future of our country. Everytime I think about the real situation of the Filipino children--I cannot help but feel sad and frustrated for the kind of life they are now facing. Let me open your eyes on the real situation of our children:
● There are 37.6 million children (below 18 years old) in the current total population
● 70% of these children live in the rural areas
● 11 million Filipinos live in extreme poverty (Global Hunger Index).
● Children in poverty situation is about 80% of its total population given that average family income has declined by more than 30% since 2001 up to now (IBON).
● Hunger hits new record high of 19% (8 million families) in last quarter of 2006, while hunger remains high in Mindanao at 22% (Social Weather Station).
● 8 out 10 Filipinos cannot afford health care. (Health Alliance for Democracy)
● About 5 million are working children, aged 5-17. Child labor is mainly rural and male; 94% are 10-14 years old.
● About 3 million of them are engaging in worst forms of child labor such as in commercial sexual exploitation, plantation farms, mining and quarrying, etc. 180,000 are child miners (PACT)
● 1.5 million street children; increasing annually by 630,000 – and are vulnerable to prostitution and trafficking.
There are about 37.6 million children (below 18 years old) in the current total population and 70% of these children are living in the rural areas. Children are vulnerable due to socio-economic status and for being a child. In the case of girl-child, vulnerability is tripled with the addition of gender as a sensitive issue.
Given this and the present state of Filipino children, one can conclude that the Philippines still has a long way to go in terms of building a beautiful future for our children. Much still needs to be done especially in the areas of child protection, welfare and health. Child-focused agencies should be strengthened to ensure their effective response to children’s needs. Communities assisting children need to be empowered and supported.This what really motivated me to put up my center--CHILDREN AND YOUTH WELLNESS TECHNICAL AND ADVOCACY CENTER (CYWTAC). Through this center, we hope to be able to transform in a positive way the lives of children and young people at risk--- ONE AT A TIME!
CYWTAC---Since 2005, has paved the way in the promotion of total wellness in children and teens, prevention of violence and neglect against children … keeping children safe. We also hope to strengthen families by integrating various psychological interventions and approaches to help children who have been in difficult circumstances and their families.CYWTAC through its educational programs hope to redefine parenting and create kid success with prevention strategies and positive changes in parenting and family attitudes through seminars and training programs. Our goal is to build strong and healthy children, teens and communities through prevention, empowerment and hope.
COME--DREAM WITH US! It only takes a minute to hurt a child and destroy a life BUT it ALSO takes a minute to make a difference!
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