MANILA — The government will launch on October 9 the situation analysis of children in the country with the participation of various government agencies.
The event will be held at the Monet Ballroom, Novotel, Araneta Center, Quezon City from 9 a.m. until noon.
Expected to grace the event are National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Assistant Secretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, TBC Children and youth representatives from different sectors, as well as UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander.
The event is part of UNICEF’s work with the Philippine government under the Country Program for 2019-2023
The situation analysis lays the foundation for UNICEF’s programs on the ground with all stakeholders across sectors by identifying the gaps and key deprivations that children face.
It will highlight UNICEF’s partnership with government on key programmatic priorities and the policy agenda of the new administration with a clear focus on the role of children and youth in the design and implementation of programs, legislation, and evidence-based advocacy.
The program is geared towards reinforcing the understanding and commitment of all stakeholders of the situation of children’s rights in the country; as well as the causes of inequities, as basis for next-step recommendations and strategic policy-making.
It also aims to rally support of UNICEF’s partners, especially the government and the implementing agencies, to sustain the commitments in their respective programs.
It hopes to empower communities, particularly children and youth, to be active in the dialogues and program implementation in their community, reaching the most marginalised and under-served and sectors.
At the same time, it sees to contribute to data-generation and leverage on government’s resources and capacities, and UNICEF’s convening capacity to foster knowledge generation with stakeholders on the work for Filipino children.
The government, through the NEDA and DSWD, along with all concerned departments, express commitment and support in their respective sectors’ continuing work to address the deprivations faced by Filipino children.
It will also call on both the legislature and executive to invest in the support intervention program detailed in the analysis and to be strategically implemented by central departments, local governments and effectively address these gaps.
After the presentation, a press conference will be held at noon. (Perfecto Raymundo, Jr./PNA)
