Gary visits children in BARMM
UNICEF Philippines National ambassador Gary Valenciano visits the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to express UNICEF’s support to BARMM leaders to make children the centerpiece of their policies and decision-making. His visit also serves as UNICEF Philippines’ kick-off event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most universally accepted human rights agreement in history.
Admired by Filipinos by the popular name “Mr. Pure Energy”, Gary V met with BARMM officials, Members of Parliament, and local government officials in Upi, Maguindanao. He also met children at a day care center and elementary school and was introduced to the tri-peoples of Muslim, Christian and settler communities. He interacted with Teduray children and learned about their unique and colorful culture. He capped off his visit with a concert to inspire children and young people of Upi.
Bangsamoro children, including indigenous children, are among the poorest in the country. Child poverty, or the proportion of children living in poor households, is highest of all regions in the country at 63 percent (ARMM figure) twice higher than the national average at over 31 percent (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2015). This means that over 1.5 million children out of 2.5 million children in BARMM are living below the basic needs poverty line.
Working with the new BARMM government, UNICEF is playing a significant role to secure highest level of commitment to a child-friendly, gendersensitive and sustainable future through programs that puts the most vulnerable and at-risk children and young people at the center of advocacy, policies and decisions; emphasizes adolescent/ youth leadership to promote a culture of peace; strengthens the role of religious leaders; strengthens capacities for at-scale impact across all provinces; expands social protection for the poorest families and uses data and evidence to highlight gaps and mobilize action. And to support participation of children in matters that concern their future.