To boost advocacy on welfare and protection, the Davao de Oro provincial government has vowed to strengthen its mental health support services for children.

In an interview Thursday, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Child Welfare Program focal person Preciosa Toledo said the mental health support services for the young include interventions, psychosocial treatments, counseling, family therapy and support hotlines.

These services aim to ensure the children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation, she said.

“PSWDO is always ready to provide services for our children especially in strengthening our advocacy in detecting mental health issues,” Toledo said.

On Tuesday, the provincial government joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 30th National Children’s Month (NCM) at the provincial capitol grounds in Nabunturan town, anchored on the theme, “Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan.”

Some 400 children participated in the event focusing on the mental health and well-being of kids.

A report by the Council for the Welfare of Children showed that mental health issues are among those encountered by kids following the pandemic.

Under Republic Act 10661, the month of November is designated as the NCM celebration to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on November 20, 1989. (PNA)