DOLE leads Negrense walk for child rights

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) led the culmination of the 2025 National Children’s Month celebration in Negros Occidental with a provincewide walk calling for stronger child protection.

Held on Nov. 29, 2025, the event titled “Walk for a Cause: Panglakaton Para sa Batang Negrosanon” began at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon and drew about 1,468 participants from government agencies, partner organizations, schools, and local communities.

Aligned with the year’s theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Sama-Sama Nating Ipaglaban!” the event underscored a collective call to end child sexual abuse, exploitation, and other forms of maltreatment—both online and offline.

A central feature of the walk was the Pledge of Commitment.

Participants dipped their palms in paint and stamped their handprints on a large cloth to represent individual vows to eliminate child labor, protect children’s rights, and promote safe environments for every Batang Negrosanon.

The wall of vibrant handprints served as a powerful visual symbol of solidarity and shared responsibility.

The celebration also recognized early activities conducted under Project Angel Tree in La Castellana, Kabankalan City, and Cadiz City, where child beneficiaries received school supplies, food packs, and other essential support.

These donations, sourced from partner donors, reflected a simple yet meaningful gesture of encouragement for children’s well-being and aspirations. Proceeds from the walk will help fund future Project Angel Tree activities.

DOLE Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. praised the unity among stakeholders and emphasized that meaningful progress in child protection requires a shared commitment.

“The strong turnout for this year’s walk reflects the heart of the Negrense community. The participants refuse to turn a blind eye to the struggles of the children,” Rodriguez said.

He urged continued support for programs that build environments where every child can grow up safe, empowered, and hopeful.

As the 2025 National Children’s Month drew to a close, DOLE, the provincial government, and participating stakeholders reaffirmed that protecting children is a collective duty.

With ongoing collaboration and compassion from the community, Negros Occidental remains committed to building a safer, more nurturing, and child-friendly province for all.