Ivone: Rights from the start

When Dr. Jose Rizal declared, "Youth is the future of our nation," Youth, or children, have long been seen as the cornerstone and hope for transforming our nation into a more progressive one. Every year in November, a celebration is organized to raise awareness of this. This year's topic for National Children's Month is "Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines." It emphasizes the importance of speaking out against child abuse and may even result in a more positive environment for children to live in.

Children require more than just love and time; they must also be protected. Protecting them is more than just an action or a word; it is a way to keep them safe from danger or trauma caused by an unforeseen occurrence. Giving them protection means giving them a clearer, louder voice so that their tiny voice may be heard. Because they are still young, they may not be as outspoken about what is going on with them, especially if their parents or guardians are not around.

We are all aware that the number of incidences of child abuse is still increasing. We should be aware of this and not ignore it. We should take immediate action. It is not too late; we must continue to raise awareness for all, as this is a severe problem in every country. An act like this cannot be accomplished by a single person; everyone must recognize this truth, become more vocal about it, and act as a unit to continue to value children.

It calls for collective action to ensure that children are provided with a safe and nurturing environment where their rights are respected and protected. By focusing on protecting children and creating a safe environment, we can build a better future for the next generation and promote a society that values and prioritizes the welfare of all children.