Bangsamoro Children's Manifesto 2025

We, the Bangsamoro children, have identified the most pressing issues that affect our lives today. We call on the government, communities and families to listen to us and address these issues.  

We constitute almost half of the Bangsamoro population, so when you invest in us, you build the future of Bangsamoro. Put us at the center of your decisions. 

We Deserve Quality Education for All 
We want better facilities and adequate learning materials.

We want more classrooms and more teachers to reduce overcrowding in our classes. We want our teachers to not be forced to teach subjects that are not aligned with their fields of expertise. 

We need scholarships that prioritize the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable. The selection process must be transparent, with clear criteria and public posting of results. 

We want early childhood education to be promoted and be made more accessible by building early childhood development center with a playground in every barangay.

We want nonformal Islamic schools to be regulated and supported so that they can give quality education to the orphans and other disadvantaged children that they cater to. 

We want the education sector to strengthen the Alternative Learning System and programs that offer technical and vocational education. We want out-of-school children to be provided with opportunities to learn and catch up with their peers.

We want every child to be able to read. We need more books and public libraries. 

We want every child to be able to travel safely to and from school. Bridges should be built for those who need to cross waterways. 

We want the establishment of safe learning zones in conflict-affected areas. 

We want our schools to be not used as evacuation centers so that classes will not be disrupted. 

We want proper dialogue and guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in education. 

We want our schools to not only be a place for academic work but also for recreation. 
 

We Deserve to Live in a Clean and Safe Environment 
We want schools and communities to teach children what climate change is, how it affects our daily lives and what we can do to protect our planet. 

We ask governments and organizations to put climate change programs into action. These programs must reach every community, especially those most vulnerable. 

We call for public infrastructure that can withstand floods, earthquakes and other disasters. Roads, bridges, schools and government buildings must be built and maintained to keep children safe during emergencies. 
We want communities to follow responsible waste management practices, such as segregation, recycling and composting. 

We want flood control projects to be properly implemented, including proper drainage systems. 

We want every barangay to have an accessible and structurally sound evacuation center. 
 

We Must Be Protected from Harm and Exploitation 
We want armed conflicts to stop because war destroys our homes, our schools and our dreams. Children should never be caught in violence, recruited into armed groups or forced to flee. 

We want our streets to be free from prohibited drugs. We ask authorities to strengthen programs that prevent drug use, protect young people and support those who need rehabilitation and help. 

We don’t want any child to engage in illegal labor. Children belong in schools, not in risky and inappropriate jobs. 

We want street children to be given proper shelter and access to education. 

We want all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse to end. We want the government to recognize that such acts exist at home, in school and other places. We also want the government to strengthen their existing mechanisms in preventing and responding to such acts. 

We want prostitution to end. No child should ever be abused or used for profit. 

We want more educational programs that teach children their rights. 

We want child, early and forced marriage unions to end. Both children and adults should be made more aware of the Anti-Child Marriage Law. The government should attend to the welfare of young girls and boys caught in such a situation. 

We want more programs that help us children become more aware of the laws that protect us, know our rights and know where to report in cases of abuse. 

We Fight Poverty and Social Inequality 
We want poverty to be eradicated. 

We want all forms of discrimination to end. 

We want livelihood for stay-at-home mothers so that families can earn enough to support their needs. 

We Ask for Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Guidance Services 
We want access to medical services without any form of discrimination. 

We want all forms of bullying to stop. We need adults to act quickly and protect us whenever bullying happens. 

We want better mental health education in schools so that children can understand their feelings and seek help early. We want all children, including those living in remote areas, to have access to professional help. 

We want the government to provide shelters, safe spaces, rehabilitation and psychosocial support for children at risk. 

We want increased intervention and rehabilitation for children exposed to prohibited drugs. 

We want children at risk and children in conflict with the law to be afforded their rights and be given a chance to be productive members of their communities. 

We want programs that give young people accurate and age-appropriate information about teenage pregnancy. 

We Stand for Participation and Empowerment 
We want participation in decision-making bodies and forums, especially on matters that affect our lives. 

We want inclusive platforms, such as councils and forums, to be created for children with disabilities. 

We want the government, communities and schools to implement policies promoting equality, respect and non-discrimination. 

Concluding Declaration 
We ask our leaders to make choices that protect our rights and help us grow safe, strong and healthy no matter where we live or who we are. 

Give us a real voice by including us in decision-making processes and taking action on our concerns and pleas.