The Bata Muna together with the C2C (Children Talk to Children), hosted today the mock presidential debate in favor of the Filipino children. Children dressed as miniature versions, or “mini me” of the five presidential candidates took to the stage a short skit challenging the candidates to use the remaining days of the campaign period to proclaim their commitments for children and prove to the voters that they are pro-children leaders.
Vice President Jejomar Binay was represented by Boy Binay, Major Rodrigo Duterte by Dodong Duterte, Senator Miriam Santiago by Miriam Young, Grace Poe by Girl Poe and Mar Roxas by Kid Roxas, who also called on the 54.4M voters to choose candidates with clear and concrete plans for children come May 9.
“Children comprise almost half (44%) of the country’s population but our issues were not tackled in the recent debates. Candidates spent more time talking about sensational issues,” said Erica, 16 years old, C2C Project Team Member. “A competent leader has ready solutions to the issues faced by every sector, including the children’s sector,” she added.
“Children’s issues are as pressing as issues concerning the security and economy,” shared Dennis Velasco, Bata Muna Convenor for NCR. In an article, the World Economic Forum reported that “Child abuse and neglect are costing countries in East Asia and the Pacific an estimated $209 billion a year, equivalent to 2 percent of the region’s GDP (gross domestic product)”. Dennis further explained that “the failure to address children’s issues is a violation of children’s rights and may hinder the country’s growth.”
“Life is hard in the Philippines. The problems that we experience, such as corporal punishment, disasters due to deterioration of the environment, substance abuse, unsafe communities, malnutrition and early pregnancy, still persist,” said Jalyn, 15 years old, from Quezon Province. Bata Muna urges voters to think critically and choose candidates that promise children:
- A Life that is safe. Where children are not hit and humiliated because there is a law that prohibits corporal punishment and promotes positive discipline.
- A Life that is successful. Where teen centers where young adolescents will have access to age-appropriate information and services on adolescent sexual and reproductive health to prevent early pregnancy are established in every barangay; anti-illegal drugs programs are in place in every barangay to protect and prevent children from engaging in substance abuse; and logging and mining companies are regulated and monitored to ensure that their businesses do not inflict harm on the communities, most especially children.
- A Life that is comfortable. Where safe and decent homes and communities are provided for urban poor children and their families; and children have nutritious food and access to quality health services and free medicines to prevent malnutrition.
- A Life that is free. Where children are provided with full, age-appropriate and culturally sensitive information; and children’s opinions are considered in the decisions of the government.
However, the plans and programs proposed by the candidate are not the only bases for telling if the candidate is pro-children. “A pro-children candidate recognizes that children are Filipino citizens with human rights to uphold even if they do not vote; he or she has solid track record in terms of fighting for what is best for the children; and he or she has no record of any abuse to children,” argued Orly V. Gallano, President of Zone One Tondo Organization.
“The candidates’ debates are indeed informative and entertaining but the election is about voters, not candidates. All we need is critical thinking and spirit of participation to make this election work for the best interest of the Filipino children,” said Shiela M. Carreon, Child Participation Officer, Save the Children. Voters can raise children’s issues by demanding candidates to discuss how they will support the children so that they will enjoy childhood and grow as good, responsible and function Filipino citizens. Voters are the representatives of children on the Election Day.
BATA MUNA
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