MOA on country program for children signed

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino recently witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and UNICEF on the implementation of the Country Program for Children (CPC) to promote, protect and fulfill the rights of children and women in Mindanao. The signing was represented by MinDA Secretary Luwalhati Antonino and UNICEF country representative Vanessa Tobin.

“From creating topographic maps with the goal of peace and development, to taking further measures in protecting women and children, little by little, all of us are making good on this commitment to serve humanity,” President Aquino said in his speech at the presentation of the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework held in Malacañang.                        

“We hope that you will always stand in solidarity with us in making sure that the Mindanaoans get the peace and quality of life they rightfully deserve. The journey of transformation we have embarked on is long and undoubtedly difficult, and we need each one’s help,” Mr. Aquino said.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will facilitate the implementation of programs for children under the CPC and will also engage UNICEF in key MinDA-led and Mindanao Working Group activities such as strategy meetings with international donors and development agencies on social and human development, conduct of social policy research, dissemination and advocacy, and program reviews which have implications on the rights of children and women in Mindanao.

UNICEF is focused on the poorest population working hand in hand with the government and NGO partners through its CPC 6 and 7 programs to reduce disparities in the situation of children and women and to reach the Philippine targets in the Millennium Development Goals within the context of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF’s work for children has been supported by its major development partner Australia.

Australia is the biggest bilateral donor supporting the present programs of UNICEF in the Philippines.