Children Speak, Leaders Listen at the 9th Philippine National Children’s Conference

MUNTINLUPA CITY, Philippines – More than 100 children and child rights advocates from across the country gathered for the 9th Philippine National Children’s Conference (PNCC), a national platform that amplifies the voices, perspectives, and recommendations of Filipino children on issues affecting their rights and welfare.

Organized by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) through the National Committee on Children and Youth Participation (NCCYP), the conference is being held from May 19 to 22, 2026 at The Bellevue Manila with the theme: “Partisipasyon at Edukasyong Patas, Pundasyon ng Ligtas at Makabatang Bukas.”

Anchored on the principles of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Presidential Decree No. 603, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the PNCC serves as a safe and meaningful space where children can actively participate in discussions, engage with leaders and stakeholders, and contribute recommendations toward more inclusive and child-responsive policies and programs.

The biennial national gathering that brings together children aged 10 to 17 years old from the country’s 17 regions, including representatives from Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs), Regional and Sub-Committees for the Welfare of Children, children’s organizations, youth groups, and child rights advocacy organizations.

In his opening remarks, CWC Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to education, meaningful child participation, and safe digital spaces for children as part of the country’s broader vision for inclusive development and digital transformation.

“The PNCC is not only about dialogue. It is about amplifying children’s voices, fostering leadership, and strengthening collaboration among advocates, government, and partner organizations,” he said. He also highlighted that children must be recognized not only as future leaders, but as active contributors to society today.

USec. Tapales likewise called on government agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to genuinely listen to children and translate their recommendations into concrete programs, policies, and actions.

“Idikta ninyo sa amin at ipaalam ninyo sa amin ang saloobin ninyong mga bata. Hindi lang dapat matatanda ang nagdedesisyon ng inyong kinabukasan”. (Guide us and let us know the sentiments of the children. The future should not be decided by adults alone.)

Meanwhile, during the plenary discussions, Mr. Michael F. Bismar, Chairperson of the National Committee on Child and Youth Participation and Executive Director of ASMAE Philippines, highlighted the importance of developing children’s critical and analytical thinking to empower them to actively engage in discussions and decision-making processes, instead of merely following adults.

Additionally, Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines emphasized that meaningful child participation goes beyond simply allowing children to join activities and consultations. “Hindi sapat na i-allow lang na sumali ang bata, ngunit kasama rin dapat ang capacity building,” (It is not enough to simply allow children to participate; capacity building should also be included.)

A major highlight of the conference was the recommendation-setting workshops, where child delegates collectively identified pressing concerns affecting Filipino children and proposed solutions for government agencies and stakeholders.

Among the key recommendations raised by the participants was the call for stronger inclusivity for children with disabilities, emphasizing that persons with disabilities themselves should be directly involved in consultations, policymaking, and program development because of their firsthand experiences and perspectives.

Delegates also raised concerns regarding outdated teaching methods and curriculum gaps that contribute to ineffective learning practices and the misuse of artificial intelligence among students. Participants stressed the need for more responsive and updated educational approaches that promote critical thinking, digital literacy, and responsible technology use.

The children likewise called for stronger reproductive health education and accessible reproductive health facilities, particularly in schools, rural communities, and barangays, through the support of the Department of Health and the Department of Education.

Participants also highlighted the need to address emotional violence in school settings, emphasizing the importance of creating safer, more supportive, and child-friendly learning environments.

In discussions on local governance and accountability, some delegates raised concerns over alleged inconsistencies and falsified submissions in the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA), urging local government units to uphold transparency and genuine compliance in promoting child-friendly governance.

A highlight of this year’s conference is the active leadership of 15 trained child facilitators and two youth facilitators who are helping lead sessions and discussions throughout the event, demonstrating the conference’s commitment to genuine and meaningful child participation.

Throughout the four-day conference, participants are engaging in plenary sessions, workshops, booth explorations, and intergenerational dialogues tackling key issues affecting Filipino children, including education, child protection, participation in governance, health, and emerging social and climate-related challenges.

Participating government agencies and organizations include the Department of Education, Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center, Commission on Population and Development, UNICEF, Save the Children Philippines, and other child rights advocates and stakeholders.

A key output of the conference is the development of the Children’s Declaration or Call to Action, a collective document containing the participants’ recommendations, aspirations, and proposed solutions to issues affecting Filipino children. The declaration will serve as a guide for government agencies, policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in strengthening child-responsive programs and policies.

The PNCC also serves as the national platform for selecting the official Philippine delegates to the ASEAN Children’s Forum (ACF). Three child representatives will be chosen by their fellow participants to represent the country in regional discussions and advocate for the rights and welfare of Filipino children at the ASEAN level.

As the conference continues, the Council for the Welfare of Children reaffirmed its commitment to transforming children’s recommendations into concrete actions, policies, and programs that uphold children’s rights and welfare.

The 9th PNCC stands as a testament to the shared commitment of government agencies, civil society organizations, communities, and children themselves in building a future where participation is meaningful, education is equitable, digital transformation is inclusive, and every Filipino child can learn, lead, and thrive.

About CWC: The CWC is the focal government agency promoting and protecting children’s rights through Presidential Decree No. 603. It executes its coordinative function by formulating, advocating, monitoring, and evaluating the implementation of policies, programs and measures; undertaking child rights advocacy and mobilization of resources; building strong networks, partnerships and coordination mechanisms; and ensuring institution building of partners and stakeholders for a child-friendly Philippines.

For More Information
To learn more about CWC’s plans, programs, and activities please visit cwc.gov.ph or contact us at
cwc@cwc.gov.ph.
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