On November 30, 2024, UNICEF Philippines celebrated World Children’s Day with “HEY Fest!” (Heed the Empowered Youth) in SM Aura’s Samsung Hall.
“Children in the Philippines face many threats to their survival and development,” said UNICEF Philippines Acting Representative Behzad Noubary.
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“We must equip children with the skills and resources to navigate a rapidly changing world,” he added.
What future challenges do Filipino kids face?
In an interview during HEY Fest, Noubary explained what children can do to keep up with the rapidly-changing world:
“Children and young people are increasingly empowered. What children can do is stand for themselves, using technology and the platforms they have in schools.”
“[But] they also have to understand that expressing yourself means listening and giving space to others.”
“It’s not just about what you want to say. It’s about giving a fair chance to what others have to say and respecting others’ rights to expression.”
The World Children’s Day celebration featured many fun activities for kids, such as dance, theater and musical performances.
More importantly, HEY Fest discussed the three megatrends in the 2024 State of World Children’s report, “The Future of Childhood in a Changing World:”
- Demographic Shift: Half of the Filipino population lives in cities, which may rise to two-thirds by 2050. Consequently, the country must invest in health, education and skills.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures cause typhoons and other disasters, leading to shortages and health risks. Hence, children should have more representation in developing and implementing climate policies.
- Frontier Technology: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the digital divide as children who lacked internet access lost learning opportunities. Consequently, UNICEF called for the digitalization of education with the 3Cs.
The 3Cs are Content (innovative, inclusive digital learning solutions), Capacity (enhancing digital skills) and Connectivity (affordable internet and devices).
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The World Children’s Day event also said children should be involved in shaping “green, frontier technologies.”
UNICEF invites those who design vaccines, neuro-technology, and next-generation solar and wind innovations to ensure they’re safe and beneficial for children.
More future challenges for Filipino children
The World Children’s Day event hosted a discussion between the young and the old regarding the future of Filipino children. The following persons served as speakers:
- Sophia Michiko Yamamoto
- Luriez Jewel Isleta
- Joshua Villalobos
On the other hand, these experts represented the panel’s other half:
- Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Executive Director and Undersecretary Angelo Tapales
- UNICEF Philippines Social Policy Specialist Lea Marasigan
- Renowned painter and sculptor Manuel Baldemor
Tapales explained that the Philippines must also shield children from the Internet’s risks, especially violence against children.
He cited data from the PNP Women and Children’s Protection Center for 2023, which states that the agency received 18,756 reports.
Of that number, 7,304 were for child abuse, rape and sexual abuse.
Also, Tapales noted that 36% of the Philippine population were children, and 71% were on the Internet.
Hence, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. focuses on reducing that number.
“Sa pamumuno po ng ating mahal na pangulo, siya rin po ang tumatayong child protection champion natin,” Tapales said. “May partikular na interes po siya sa pagpabababa nitong online abuse and exploitation of children.”
(Under our president’s leadership, he also stands as our child protection champion. He has a particular interest in reducing online abuse and exploitation of children.)
Tapales addressed the parents at the event, reiterating the need to learn more about their kids’ technologies:
“You cannot protect your children against these people unless you regulate your children’s internet use.”
“Kayo rin po, mga mommy at daddy. Kailangan din po kayong matuto sa cyberspace, sa mga gadget, laptops at tablets.”
“Kung hindi po kayo marunong nyan, paano po natin babantayan ang mga bata?”
(That’s why, mommies and daddies, you should also learn about cyberspace, gadgets, laptops and tablets. If you don’t, how will we safeguard our kids?)
READ: Apple update will check iPhones for images of child sexual abuse
Fortunately, the Philippines has been working with UNICEF to raise more awareness regarding children’s rights.
For example, they collaborated to launch the “Situation of Children” online platform to help everyone learn more about their issues. Click here to learn more.