MANILA, Philippines – In support of the Child Rights Network’s (CRN) campaign to raise awareness and uphold children’s rights in the Philippines, the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) joined CRN’s “Padyak to #EndVAC” event last July 18, 2021. 

A three-hour bike parade, the “Padyak to #EndVAC” is part of an initiative by CRN and child rights organizations that seeks to urge Congress to pass legislation to address online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, increase the age of statutory rape and prohibit child marriages. In addition, this campaign urges legislators and government officials to prioritize the protection of children amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. According to CRN, cases of violence against children have increased since the pandemic started in March of last year. 

The event drew several child rights organizations and advocates as they passed through several areas in Quezon City. The organizations and agencies include: Save the Children Philippines, Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns, TDH-Germany, Kiyo, NORFIL Foundation, Inc., Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, Philippine Educational Theater Association, and PETA ARTS Zone Project.

Joining the “Padyak to #EndVAC” event is one of the many efforts that the AHRC has pursued to promote and protect child rights in the country through its child rights desk Adhikain Para sa Karapatang Pambata (AKAP). In particular, AKAP has remained steadfast in its call to propose and advocate for legislative measures and policies that would protect the welfare of children in the country, such as protection against the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and raising the age of sexual consent.