When the Child Is Born (Happy Christmases Then and Now)

During the first Christmas, our God the Father sent His Only Begotten Son, the Child Jesus in the manger – the real meaning of Christmas. It’s His greatest gift to mankind.

This article is not about going back to those happy Christmas past. We always woke up at Christmas morning with toys and gifts. Those were the days my friends. Now we’re in charge. Our children’s happiness and welfare this Christmas is in our hands. This piece is all about remembering children’s rights this Christmas and the New Year. For after all, every child is born in image and likeness of Christ.

“Light their way when the darkness surrounds them. And give them love, let it shine all around them.” Song from the movie of the same title: “Bless the Beast and the Children,” Barry de Vorzon (1934-) and Percy Bodkin Jr. (1933-), American songwriters and composers.

On December 10, 1974, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed into law Presidential Decree 603, otherwise known as the Child and Youth Welfare Code. The law provides that “The child is one of the most important assets of the nation. Every effort should be exerted to promote his welfare and enhance his opportunities for a useful and happy life.”

On June 17, 1992, the Ninth Congress of the Philippines passed Republic Act 7610 or the law providing special protection to children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination. The law defines children as those who are below 18 or those over but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical or mental disability or condition. In the same year, many countries committed to promote children’s rights when they signed up at the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The rights of every child

A child has the right to be born, to have a name, and nationality;

To have a loving and caring family;

To live in a peaceful community and wholesome environment;

To have adequate food and healthy body;

To obtain good education and develop his potential;

The right for play and leisure;

To be protected from abuse, danger, neglect, violence and exploitation;

To express his views; and

To be protected by the government

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everybody!