“There is one dream that all Filipinos share: that our children may have a better life than we have had.”
As the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) observes National Children’s Month (NCM) this November, it recalls the words of the late human rights defender Jose W. Diokno—reminding us of our shared duty to build a just and humane society for future generations.
In this spirit, the CHR highlights this year’s theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, and held a kick-off ceremony to open the NCM at the CHR Central Office led by the Child Rights Center (CRC) and Focal Commissioner on Child Rights, Atty. Beda A. Epres.
The term “OSAEC” refers to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children, whereas “CSAEM” pertains to Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials.
Guests of honor included National Coordinating Council on OSAEC-CSAEM Executive Director Atty. Barbara Mae Flores, who delivered the keynote message; and actor and child rights advocate Elijah Canlas, who led CHR employees in reciting the Panatang Makabata.
In his welcome remarks, Commissioner Epres emphasized the need for collective action to protect children from abuse and exploitation in digital spaces.
“No child shall be left behind; no child shall be exploited, discriminated against, or abused. Every child must grow up safe, valued, and free to thrive with dignity,” the CHR Spokesperson added.
CHR’s advocacy and awareness initiatives
Through CHR’s CRC and Regional Offices, the Commission is participating in various activities throughout the month to raise awareness, empower children, and strengthen child protection mechanisms.
These include the presentation of CHR’s Evidence-Based Studies and Key Recommendations during the Department of Justice’s Summit on Advancing Real Justice for Every Child, participation in the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Council Summit; the 2025 NCM Kick-Off Celebration; and Juvenile Justice Week 2025 activities.
The Commission is also continuing its Kabataan Karapatan Caravan in several schools, including Commonwealth High School, Colegio San Juan de Letran, and Ugong Pasig National High School, featuring discussions on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and OSAEC-related issues.
Parallel to these efforts, the CHR will conduct monitoring missions in SOCCSKSARGEN and Surigao del Norte to gather updated data on displaced children, child labor, and child marriage, and to identify gaps in child protection interventions.
The CRC will likewise take part in fora organized by the Child Rights Network at the House of Representatives to push for stronger child rights legislation and policy reforms.
Commitment to protect Filipino children
The Commission reminds the public that protecting children from online sexual abuse and exploitation should not be confined to the month-long celebration of NCM. Ending OSAEC requires the shared responsibility of the government, communities, families, and individuals to ensure that every child grows up free from abuse and fear.
As one of the first nations to ratify the UNCRC, the Philippines bears both a moral and legal duty to safeguard children’s rights in all settings, online and offline.
Through sustained advocacy, partnerships, and on-the-ground initiatives, the CHR remains steadfast in protecting every Filipino child from abuse and exploitation—making this nation a nation for our children. ###