"Dulag Child Leaders Master Rights & Responsibilities through Futsal-Based Play with FundLife."

More than 120 child leaders across Dulag strengthened their understanding of rights, responsibilities, and community protection as  FundLife, in partnership with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Dulag, delivered its National Children’s Month initiative “KARAPATAN MO, LARUIN MO! Understanding Children’s Rights and Responsibilities Through Play” on November 14, 2025.

The play-based learning event empowered 75 girls and 46 boys to identify, claim, and advocate for their rights, preparing them to lead similar sessions in their own barangays.

Throughout the day, child leaders engaged in a sequence of play-based games and guided discussions that helped them understand how key child rights concepts appear in everyday life. Activities allowed them to reflect on questions such as “Who is a child?”, the basic needs that every child is entitled to, the different forms of abuse and dangers they must be protected from, and how children can extend support to peers who may be at risk. They also explored freedom of expression, responsible communication, and the importance of speaking up in safe and respectful ways.

These learning moments were complemented by deeper conversations on the 12 core Child Rights grounded on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and their corresponding responsibilities. Through movement-based activities, decision-making exercises, and scenario-based learning, participants discovered how rights such as protection, participation, survival, and development translate into real-life actions—whether on the futsal court or within their communities.

Beyond the learning content, the event served as a training day for young facilitators. Participants practiced leading games, guiding discussions, managing group dynamics, and creating spaces where younger children can share their thoughts openly. They also examined possible community scenarios they might encounter once they begin leading sessions, helping them build confidence in identifying risks, responding safely, and promoting inclusion. The workshop further reinforced their understanding of safeguarding, gender equity, and the importance of ensuring that all children—regardless of background or ability—feel safe and valued.

Tiffany from Brgy. Rawis shared her reflections: "My experience today was fun, and I realized that using games and activities is an effective way to learn. As youth, it is important for us to know our rights so we can stand up for ourselves, and also stand up for others who do not know their rights yet. If we are the future, we need to be the change."

Her testimony captures the essence of FundLife’s mission: equipping children not only with knowledge of their rights but also with the confidence and leadership to act, advocate, and inspire change in their communities.

The initiative's success was made possible through the strong support from the Local Government Unit of Dulag, whose leadership emphasized the importance of protecting and empowering young people. Mayor Jade A. Agullo shared words of encouragement for the child leaders and affirmed the municipality’s commitment to youth-led initiatives. Youth groups such as SK Federation, represented by Hon. Jeric Tumandao and Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) volunteers, also expressed their support, while the presence of the Dulag PNP Women in Uniform underscored the community’s collective dedication to child safety and well-being.

By the end of the activity, participants developed concrete plans to deliver rights-and-responsibilities sessions in their respective barangays. Their proposed rollouts emphasize safe, inclusive, and participatory learning experiences, ensuring that younger children are not only informed about their rights but also encouraged to express themselves, ask questions, and build supportive peer networks. These child-led sessions represent a powerful next step in strengthening community-based protection and youth leadership across Dulag.

FundLife extends heartfelt gratitude to all partners and Child Leaders who embody courage, hope, and leadership. Through initiatives like this, we move closer to a future where children are not only protected but also empowered to lead, dream, and create positive change in their communities.

The program was opened by Julie Ruth Martija-Bantula, RSW, Social Welfare Officer III and Women and Children Focal at MSWDO Dulag, and delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Jade A. Agullo by Hon. Vicente Petilos, Jr., SB Member. Also present to support the activity was Hon. Jeric Tumandao, President of the Dulag SK Federation, reflecting the shared commitment of local leaders to child empowerment and protection.

The event, held with strong support from the Local Government Unit of Dulag and MSWDO Dulag, gathered a total of 121 Child Leaders from various barangays—75 girls and 46 boys. The Dulag PNP Women in Uniform also attended, emphasizing the community’s dedication to child safety and youth development.

In line with FundLife’s mission, child leaders engaged in interactive activities grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The use of futsal-based learning was strategic, as the sport's requirements mirror key rights in action. Through drills and games, participants practiced fairness, negotiation, and conflict resolution. For instance, when a child negotiates a foul on the court, they are practicing the Right to be Heard (UNCRC Article 12) and seeking justice in a safe environment. The presence and participation of the Dulag PNP Women in Uniform further strengthened the message, demonstrating that law enforcement are allies and resources in upholding the children's right to safety.

Tiffany from Brgy. Rawis shared her reflections: "My experience today was fun, and I realized that using games and activities is an effective way to learn. As youth, it is important for us to know our rights so we can stand up for ourselves, and also stand up for others who do not know their rights yet. If we are the future, we need to be the change."

Her testimony captures the essence of FundLife’s mission: equipping children not only with knowledge of their rights but also with the confidence and leadership to act, advocate, and inspire change in their communities.

FundLife believes that young people are natural leaders when given opportunities to grow. During the session, Child Leaders were trained as peer facilitators, strengthening their ability to lead activities, guide discussions, and create safe spaces where younger children can meaningfully participate.

Participants also developed inclusive rollout plans for community sessions on children’s rights and responsibilities, ensuring that learning is:

• Inclusive – every child can participate regardless of background or ability

• Participatory – children are partners in shaping their learning and protection

• Safe – all activities prioritize the well-being of every participant

  
  

After this capacity-building session, these Child Leaders are now ready to roll out their learning in their respective barangays, bringing knowledge of rights, responsibilities, and child protection to younger children in their communities.

The active involvement of LGU Dulag, MSWDO Dulag, PNP Women in Uniform, and youth leaders like Hon. Jeric Tumandao highlights a shared commitment to building safer, child-friendly communities. Their presence reinforces FundLife’s belief that children thrive when supported, guided, and empowered by their communities.

FundLife extends heartfelt gratitude to all partners and Child Leaders who embody courage, hope, and leadership. Through initiatives like this, we move closer to a future where children are not only protected but also empowered to lead, dream, and create positive change in their communities.