Saturday, July 14, 2012

But a Few Children

I saw not so many children in Sapporo. Father Benjie is lucky to have this portrait with a family who are also taking picture in Odori Park. 

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Saturday, July 7, 2012

General Principles of Child and Youth Welfare

Former President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree 603 on December 10, 1974. This is the Child and Youth Welfare Code with the following General Principles:

Article 1. Declaration of Policy
The child is one of the most important assets of the nation. Every effort should be exerted to promote his welfare and enhance his opportunities for a useful and happy life.

The child is not a mere creature of the State. Hence, his individual traits and aptitudes should be cultivated to the utmost insofar as they do not conflict with the general welfare.

The molding of the character of the child starts at the home. Consequently, every member of the family should strive to make the home a wholesome and harmonious place as its atmosphere and conditions will greatly influence the child's development.

Attachment to the home and strong family ties should be encouraged but not to the extent of making the home isolated and exclusive and unconcerned with the interests of the community and the country.

The natural right and duty of parents in the rearing of the child for civic efficiency should receive the aid and support of the government.

Other institutions, like the school, the church, the guild, and the community in general, should assist the home and the State in the endeavor to prepare the child for the responsibilities of adulthood.

Children of Malilipot - Photo courtesy of Alberto Cortes 

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"Child" Defined

Article 1 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child laid down the definition of the word "child":

A child means every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.

Children from Cadaculaan Street

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