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The Gender and Development (GAD) Office of Southern Luzon State University, in partnership with the Love and Care Building Center (Child Development Center), successfully held the 2025 National Children’s Month Celebration at the SLSU Covered Court.
The event, entitled “Project KABATA: Karunungan bilang Bahagi ng Tagumpay Laban sa OSAEC-CSAEM,” where approximately 180 children, accompanied by their parents and guardians, gathered for a day of learning, fun, and community engagement.
The celebration ran from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM and featured a variety of activities designed to highlight the importance of children’s rights and well-being. Serving as the Resource Speaker, Dr. Renato R. Maaliw III delivered an inspiring talk that emphasized the four basic categories of children’s rights—Survival, Development, Protection, and Participation. His message underscored the need to safeguard children from online sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM), while empowering them to grow in safe, nurturing environments.
Throughout the day, children engaged in interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, art activities, and recreational games that encouraged creative expression and positive social interaction. These guided activities not only provided enjoyment but also reinforced lessons on responsibility, respect, and the value of community support.
The event also served as a meaningful avenue to strengthen the partnership between SLSU and the Love and Care Building Center. By working hand in hand, both institutions demonstrated their commitment to extending educational and advocacy efforts beyond the university, ensuring that children in the community are equipped with knowledge and experiences that contribute to their holistic development.
The GAD Office emphasized that Project KABATA is more than just a celebration—it is a call to action for families, schools, and communities to unite in protecting children’s rights and fostering environments where they can thrive. As the 2025 National Children’s Month continues, SLSU reaffirms its dedication to promoting awareness, advocacy, and meaningful engagement for the benefit of future generations.
Written by: Joyce S. Andrade
Layout: Jayson M. Caperiña
Pictures: Myla C. Maderal