A future for our children
Through a mother’s eyes, what could be more painful than seeing our young stripped of their childhood innocence? The world has corrupted them with human trafficking, cybersex, pornography and even various forms of criminality.
Our legislators sponsored an amendment of lowering the age of criminal liability (Republic Act 9344). The measure is an acceptance by the legislative body as to how vulnerable children have become. UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Lotta Sylwanda reportedly urged the national government to help local government units deliver social services.
In a television interview, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called for an overall approach to the solution to the problem at hand. While there are sectors that would consider poverty a factor as to why children are pushed to do criminal acts, in my opinion, this is a very lame argument.
Filipinos have been poor since the 1950s but corrupting children was never an option then. Parents were very much in charge of with the affairs of their children. They know where and what their children are up to. By six o’clock, the kids are at home. Parents should take care of their children, not the other way around.
Cebu’s Sinulog Foundation is dedicating the upcoming celebration to the children of our country. The involvement as well of our children on this festivity is not only timely but fitting since there is the urgent need to pray for our young generation to save them from peril.
To dramatize my point of view, allow me to share an anecdote from William Barclay.
“A neighbor was trying to tempt a man who was sitting quietly on his porch by offering him a fast buck. The deal was offered when the impoverished man was out of work. The tempter assured the man it would be an easy job and that they would only work at night. At this point the man’s wife asked her husband to hold the baby as she must hang the clothes to dry. The man took the baby and sat him on his knees. The little child looked up and its eyes spoke. “I am the flesh of your flesh,” said the child’s eyes. “I am soul of your soul. Where you lead I shall follow. Lead the way, Father. My feet come after yours.” The man was moved by the message in the baby’s eyes. He turned to his tempting visitor and said, “Sorry. I am not interested in your deal.”
Equally needing our prayers are the mothers of poor Filipino families who are being lured to do acts of lasciviousness on the internet by child predators abroad.