DFA Launches Children’s Book to Mark 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(From left to right) Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto C. Abella; Professor Early Sol A. Gadong, author; Deniesse Rhaye Mapa, student; General Manager Andrea Pasion-Flores of Anvil Publishing, Inc.; Camille Fernandez, Anvil Publishing, Inc; Chargé d’Affaires Richard Sisson, Australian Embassy in Manila; and Mr. Borg Sinaban, illustrator; hold copies of the new book entitled, “Ayoko Po Sana/I Am Sorry, But…” on 19 November 2019 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. (DFA-UNIO photo)
PASAY CITY 21 November 2019 — In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Australian Embassy and Anvil Publishing, Inc., launched a new children’s story book entitled, “Ayoko Po Sana/ I Am Sorry, But…” on 19 November 2019 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The launch was held during the 11th Ako Para Sa Bata International Conference organized by the Child Protection Network (CPN), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).
“Ayoko Po Sana/I Am Sorry, But…” tells the story of a young girl who is unafraid to speak her mind and make choices, not out of disobedience of or disrespect to the people around her, but because she has been treated with respect while her opinions are carefully considered. The book is inspired by the CRC, particularly on the right of a child to freedom of expression and the right of a child to have his or her views be given due weight.
“Ayoko Po Sana/ I Am Sorry, But…” is written by Prof. Early Sol Gadong, 2018 Palanca Awards winner and Assistant Professor at the University of the Philippines in Visayas, and illustrated by Mr. Borg Sinaban.
During his remarks, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto C. Abella underscored that the CRC “can build not just a strong state but a strong society as well, to counterbalance each other as we build a comfortable life for all.” Undersecretary Abella also shared how the Philippine government fulfills its obligations to the CRC, as a State party since 1990.
Australian Embassy Charge d’Affaires Richard Sisson, meanwhile, highlighted Australia’s strong support for CRC and the country’s active cooperation with the Philippines in promoting children’s rights through education, development assistance, and the conduct of various projects on child protection.
The Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), serenaded the audience during the book launch with songs about the hopes and dreams of children. Prof. Gadong and student Deniesse Rhaye Mapa also read the book aloud during the launch.
With 196 State parties, the CRC is the most widely ratified human rights treaty. END
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto C. Abella underscored that it is the society’s duty to ensure that children live in a safe and secure environment where they can freely express their ideas. (DFA-OUSCR photo)
Chargé d’Affaires Richard Sisson of the Australian Embassy in Manila shared Australia’s cooperation with the Philippine government on child’s rights issues. (DFA-UNIO photo)
The Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, with their Artistic Director Mr. Sebastian Trinidad, performed during the book launch. (DFA-UNIO photo)
Professor Early Sol A. Gadong, the author of the book, read the story of Ayoko Po Sana on the importance of children being heard with student Deniesse Rhaye Mapa. (DFA-UNIO photo)