In the year 1994, ACTION, Inc. envisions a world where children are protected and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in communities that uphold their rights and respects the dignity of people.
Through the years, ACTION, Inc. was able to continue in upholding its trust to promote the well-being and improve the quality of life of the children from its partner residential care facilities and communities. Thus this 2017, ACTION, Inc. proudly celebrated its 23rd Founding Anniversary as well as the 25th National Children’s Month with the Theme: “Bata: Iligtas sa Droga!” on the 25th of November 2017, 10:00 A.M- 5:00 P.M at the Riverwalk, Harbor Point, Ayala Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City.
This institutional activity was attended by approximately two hundred (200) children coming from the partner residential care facilities and community namely: Olongapo City Social Development Center and Center for Youth, People’s Recovery Empowerment Development Assistance (PREDA) Foundation Home for Girls and Home for Boys, Jireh Children’s Home, Inc., International Childrens’ Advocate, Inc. Niños Pag-asa Center and partner community Tayo Ang Tinig At Gabay (TATAG) Inc.. This was also part of the weeklong Children’s Month Celebration from November 21-25, 2017 in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Olongapo City and Area Based Standards Network (ABSNET) Olongapo-Zambales.
Given that this event is a combination of two (2) significant celebrations, ACTION took the chance to promote and showcase the talents and skills of the children who are beneficiaries of ACTION’s Chikara Skills Program such as Karate, Dance and Haircut Training. The activity also sent a message to the public that children who are victims of different forms of abuse are resilient and are able to develop their talents and skills and overcome their weaknesses given an opportunity.
It was a fun filled day for the children. They enjoyed the Poster Making and Slogan Making Contest, Free Face Painting, Free Photo Booth with ready printed photo, Free Seated Massage and Free Haircut and Hair Styling. In the afternoon, all the children beneficiaries from the Dance and Karate Trainings were able to stand-out in showcasing their talents in dancing, singing and Karate techniques. There was also a part of the program where children had the chance to speak out about their rights through the Acrostic of “10 Rights of a Filipino Child”.
Indeed, it was a day of celebration for the children in helping them realize their important roles in the society and for ACTION, Inc. to continue working to improve the quality of life of the marginalized children and communities.
By:
Mary Joy N. Marbida
