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National Children’s Month – November 2024

National Children’s Month is celebrated in November in the Philippines every year. This month-long celebration aims to give Filipino children access to a healthy environment, good education, and healthcare. Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, once said that the youth is the future of the nation, and investing in children is key for the betterment of the next generation. This holiday also comes from a place of empathy. As a third-world country, most families struggle financially, and it’s the children who suffer the most. This month highlights the ways we can help and support them.

History of National Children’s Month

Before the Philippines started observing National Children’s Month, many countries around the world had already been celebrating ‘Children’s Day.’ It began in June 1857 when Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard conducted a special service for the children. Initially, he first called it ‘Rose Day,’ then ‘Flower Sunday,’ and was finally renamed ‘Children’s Day.’

The first country that turned this celebration into a national holiday was Turkey back in 1920. However, the global adoption of this holiday didn’t happen until 1925 when International Children’s Day was proclaimed in Geneva, Switzerland during the World Conference on Child Welfare. On June 1, 1950, many communist and post-communist countries started adopting the International Children’s Day as well, including a joint resolution between India and Uruguay in 1954.

The Philippines first adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations on November 20, 1989. The National Youth Commission (N.Y.C.), the Council for the Welfare of Children (C.W.C.), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (D.S.W.D.) were tasked to come up with activities, plans, and charitable events to help children in need.

The focus of National Children’s Month is to offer help to those children who suffered from abuse, poverty, natural calamities, and violence. In fact, in 2013 alone, there was a disturbingly high rate of children who suffered from sexual abuse and exploitation.

By 2015, late Philippine President Benigno Aquino III made November the official National Children’s Month in the Philippines under the Republic Act No. 10661.

National Children’s Month timeline

1857
The First Children’s Day

The origin of National Children’s Month starts with Children’s Day as established by Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard.

1925
Children’s Day Goes Global

Due to the World Conference on Child Convention in Geneva, countries all over the world are starting to adopt Children’s Day as a national holiday.

1989
Children’s Month in the Philippines

The Philippines adopts the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations.

2015
The Official Declaration for National Children’s Month

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III officially declares November as National Children’s Month.

National Children’s Month FAQs

What is the theme of the National Children’s Month 2021?

As announced by the Department of Education, the theme for the National Children’s Month last year was ‘New Normal Na Walang Iwanan: Karapatan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan.’

What is the most violated right of a child in the Philippines?

Some of the most violated rights of a child include child marriage, child labor, and lack of access to education.

What are the four categories of child’s rights?

The four child’s rights categories include survival, protective, participative, and developmental.

How to Observe National Children’s Month

  1. Participate in complementary feeding programs

    Several non-governmental organizations in the Philippines host complementary feeding programs for street children. You may help organize the event, bring food, or help serve their meals.

  2. Host parties at orphanages

    One of the most neglected sectors in the Philippines is the orphanages. Bring smiles and joy to the faces of the children by hosting games and food events in an orphanage near you. Tag along your friends and family to help you organize this event.

  3. Treat your niece and nephews

    A simple act within your family is a perfect way to celebrate National Children’s Month. Take your niece, nephews, or younger cousins on a fun day out! Enjoy good food, and fun conversations, and make memories together!

5 Facts About Children And Children’s Month

  1. Dates vary internationally

    Children’s months across the world vary in dates.

  2. Drafted by a British social reformer

    The Declaration of the Rights of a Child was drafted by Eglantyne Jebb, a British social reformer.

  3. Children experiencing violence

    In 2015, a study revealed that three out of five Filipino children experience violence at home.

  4. Child abuse and parental histories

    The majority of child abuse cases come from parental strategies for disciplining their children.

  5. The International Save the Children Union

    The International Save the Children Union in Geneva was dissolved due to financial issues, which was a major setback.

Why National Children’s Month is Important

  1. Children deserve much better

    We do not tolerate violence against children. The repercussions of abuse are something that will be carried with them until they become adults. This is a practice that should be abolished.

  2. Children are our hope

    The next leaders of our world are the children. We should hone them and give them access to education and a safe environment to make their future brighter.

  3. The sense of community

    National Children’s Month is a team effort within the community. It’s inspiring to see people joining hands in making this celebration possible.

National Children’s Month dates

YearDateDay
2024November 1Friday
2025November 1Saturday
2026November 1Sunday
2027November 1Monday
2028November 1Wednesday
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National Medical Cannabis Week
World Communication Week
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All Saints Day (Spain)
Anniversary of the Revolution
Antigua Independence Day
Calan Gaeaf
Coronation Day of His Majesty the King
D. Hamilton Jackson Day
Deck the Everything Day
Extra Mile Day
Fountain Pen Day
Fountain Pen Day
Haryana Day
Haryana Day
International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day
Kannada Rajyothsava
Karnataka Rajyotsava Day
Kut
Lakshmi Puja
Laxmi Puja
Love Your Lawyer Day
Love Your Lawyer Day
National Author's Day
National Biologic Coordinators Day
National Brush Day
​National Calzone Day
National Cinnamon Day
National Cinnamon Day
National Cook For Your Pets Day
National Deep Fried Clams Day
National Deep Fried Clams Day
National Family Literacy Day
National Jayden Day
National-Jersey-Friday
National Jersey Day
National Mia Day
National Pâté Day
National Vinegar Day
Prime Meridian Day
Puducherry Liberation Day
Scented Candle Day
World Vegan Day
National Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Adopt a Turkey Month
Aviation History Month
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Banana Pudding Lovers Month
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COPD Awareness Month
Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Epilepsy Awareness Month
Erectile Dysfunction Awareness Month
Family Stories Month
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Filipino Values Month
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
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Long-term Care Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Manatee Awareness Month
Manatee Awareness Month
Military Family Month
Military Family Month
National Adoption Month
National Adoption Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
National Children’s Month
National Consciousness Month for Punctuality and Civility
National Diabetes Month
National Entrepreneurship Month
National Entrepreneurship Month
National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Fun with Fondue Month
National Gratitude Month
National Healthy Skin Month
National Home Care and Hospice Month
National Inspirational Role Models Month
National Life Writing Month
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National Native American Heritage Month
National Novel Writing Month
National Pepper Month
National Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Month
National Pomegranate Month
National Prevent a Litter Month
National Raisin Bread Month
National Repair Done Right Month
National Rice Awareness Month
National Roasting Month
National Roasting Month
National Scholarship Month
No-Shave November
Peanut Butter Lovers Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Pet Diabetes Month
Philippine Book Development Month
PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Traditional and Alternative Health Care Month
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