Children’s Day celebration kicks-off in Butuan City

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 1 (PIA) – In line with this year's National Children's Month celebration, the city government of Butuan kicks-off the celebration with a foot parade which gathered preschoolers from different public and private schools in three districts of this city.

The short program that followed after the parade is highlighted with various presentations, mass dance, taekwondo, and kiddie band exhibition.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Aldebran M. Mordeno,  in her welcome address, urged everyone to work together for the promotion of the children's welfare. “A strong and healthy family helps in achieving a child’s dream. They are our greatest asset and we should take care of their future,” she said.

In his message, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. emphasized the importance of the parents and citizens’ role in molding the children. “I call for the renewal of our commitment to prepare a better place for our children to live in, to promote their wellbeing, and to secure their future," he remarked.

The activity concluded with the launching on the Search for a Green Thumb Project. “The aim is to encourage every child to plant seedlings using recycled materials. That way, they will have the opportunity to share their part in sustaining a green environment,” said councilor Ferdinand E. Nalcot, Chairman, Committee on Social Services.

Several activities are lined-up for the National Children’s month-long celebration in partnership with other government and non-government organizations.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Child Friendly Philippines: A Caring and Protective Society for, by and with the Children.” It focused on protecting the basic rights of children and bringing awareness about the impacts of violence, discrimination and other emerging threats.  (VLG/PIA-Caraga)