by Narabelle Z. Bue
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Mar. 30, (PIA) - - The Social Marketing (SocMark) Unit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX bagged one of the most coveted special awards during the Review and Assessment Workshop on Children’s Rights held recently in Tagaytay City.
The Awards Conference, organized and facilitated by the Probe Media Foundation and UNICEF, was the final leg of engagement of the two NGOs with the information officers of the department in line with the aim of enhancing the skills of the Social Marketing arm of DSWD.
DSWD IX presented a 90-seconder video public service announcement on the effects of armed conflict to a child on the basis of the child’s right to live and develop himself in a peaceful and orderly environment. The entry was cited for Best Creative technique. Same video was also one of the 3 nominated materials for ‘Peer award’.
While majority of the entries focused on the health and education of the children in line with the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program, DSWD IX chanced upon the opportunity to advocate for children’s right for a peaceful environment. The Payao incident in October 2011 coincided with the brainstorming and planning session of the info officers on Media Production only heightened their interest in pursuing the project. The said incident in Payao affected Pantawid children beneficiaries in Barangay Labatan. The children had to stay home as classes were suspended due to the peace and order situation and per debriefers’ assessment, most of the kids were also emotionally affected.
DSWD Undersecretary Parisya Taradji who was the guest during the awarding ceremony, lauded the works of the information officers who, accordingly, were able come up with good advocacy materials showcasing diverse and unique stories gathered from their respective regions. She also encouraged the IOs to continue to highlight the voices of the children but exercising at the same time, caution and vigilance for areas that need confidentiality as well as maintaining privacy of the child.
Other regional works which also received recognition are those of Regions I, V, X CARAGA and ARMM.
Tapped to provide technical assistance were communication specialists from the academe (University of the Philippines) Professors Melba Estonilo, from private communication groups (Jesuit Communications Foundation, Center for Community Journalism and Development ) Ms. Pauline Saltarin, Mr. Red Batario and Ms. Adelina Alvarez. (JPA/NZB/DSWD9/PIA-9 ZBST)
