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
The origin of National Children’s Month starts with Children’s Day as established by Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard.
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.
The Philippines adopts the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino III officially declares November as National Children’s Month.
National Children’s Month related content
The Best Electronic Kit for Kids and Beginners for 2023
These colorful and affordable electronic kits help make your kids experience learning about electricity in fun and engaging manner
See MoreNational 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
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.
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.
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
Dates vary internationally
Children’s months across the world vary in dates.
Drafted by a British social reformer
The Declaration of the Rights of a Child was drafted by Eglantyne Jebb, a British social reformer.
Children experiencing violence
In 2015, a study revealed that three out of five Filipino children experience violence at home.
Child abuse and parental histories
The majority of child abuse cases come from parental strategies for disciplining their children.
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
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.
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.
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
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 1 | Thursday |
