10 November 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Ankara called on the Filipino community to continue to be advocates for the rights and protection of children against abuse and neglect during the National Children's Month celebration on October 25 held at the Rizal Hall of the Chancery.

The celebration, under the theme “Komunidad at Pamahalaan Magkaisa, Pang-aabuso sa Bata, Wakasan Na!” was attended by members of the Filipino community, children of the community, and Filipino students in Turkey based in Ankara.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez reminded the community of their children’s important contributions to the society – as the hope of the future, in Dr. Jose Rizal’s well-known mantra. She emphasized every child’s right for a full life and protection from all kinds of abuses. She reiterated to the community that the Embassy is a safe haven for all. “It is everyone’s home”, she said.         

After the short talk, Mrs. Nadjefah Acampong Mangondaya of the Embassy presented a Powerpoint presentation on several "Larong Pinoy" such as patintero, luksong lubid, tumbang preso, luksong baka and sungka, which she described as cultural treasures handed down through many generations. The presentation was followed by the children’s participation in a game of sungka and "Pinoy Henyo", a word and mind game popularized by the Philippine television show ‘Eat Bulaga’.

The games were followed by a film showing of two Philippine legends namely, "Ang Alamat ng Pinya" and "Alamat ng Ibong Adarna" to encourage appreciation of Philippine culture and literature through storytelling of Philippine legends.

The Philippines signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on 26 January 1990 and ratified it on 21 August 1990. END