I AM S.A.M. Poem
The IAMSAM Poem, AKO AY MAHALAGA, NAIIBA AT NATATANGI is the IAMSAM Prevent-to-Empower Protocol (PEP) in words.
It is said after the National Anthem in the public schools of Muntinlupa and Makati, among others.
It is a 4-stanza poem and each stanza corresponds with the 4 components of PEP:
Stanza 1: Component 1 – The Humanity of the Child
Stanza 2: Component 2 – The Entitlements of the Child
Stanza 3: Component 3 – Abuse 101
Stanza 4: Component 4 – Self-Worth
AKO AY MAHALAGA, NAIIBA, AT NATATANGI
1
Ako ay Mahalaga, Naiiba, at Natatangi
Sapagkat AKO ay TAO,
Isinilang na may pagkakakilanlan—may pangalan,
Nabibilang sa isang pamilya at bansang malaya.
May mga karapatang pantay sa madla.
2
Ako ay Mahalaga, Naiiba, at Natatangi
Sapagkat AKO ay BATA
May sariling pag-iisip, tinig, opinyon, at damdamin
Pagmamahal ninyo at aruga, ipagkaloob sa akin.
3
Dahil ako ay Mahalaga, Naiiba, at Natatangi
Walang sinumang sa aki’y dapat manakit
Wag abusuhin aking puso, katawan, at damdamin,
Turuan ako nang tama,
respeto sa kapwa sa akin ay hubugin.
4
Bawat bata ay Mahalaga, Naiiba, at Natatangi
Pagpapahalaga at magmamahal sa sarili, ituro’t ipagbunyi
Nang sa aming paglaki sa puso’t isip uukit
Kami’y may responsibilidad sa Diyos, mundo, at sa lahat ng paslit.
AKO AY MAHALAGA, NAIIBA, AT NATATANGI
I AM SPECIAL, UNIQUE AND PRECIOUS!
1
For I Am a PERSON,
Born with an identity—with a name,
I belong to a family and a free country,
I have rights like everybody else.
2
I Am Special, Unique, and Precious,
For I Am a CHILD,
with my own thoughts, ideas, feelings, and dreams,
Bestow upon me love and shower me with care.
3
Because I am Special, Unique, and Precious,
No one has the right to hurt me,
Do not abuse my mind, body, or spirit.
Teach me what is right,
Develop in me the respect for all.
4
Every child is Special, Unique, and Precious,
Let me voice my love and affirm my worth,
As I grow, I shall keep in my heart and mind,
That we have responsibilities for God, humanity, fellow children, and the environment.
I AM SPECIAL, UNIQUE AND PRECIOUS!
The I Am SAM Poem: Ako Ay Mahalaga, Naiiba at Natatangi (2012)
It corresponds to the flagship program of IAMSAM: The IAMSAM PEP (Prevent-to-Empower Protocol). I wrote it in English and it was translated into Filipino by Maricar Valencia-Flores, the first IAMSAM Mentor Director for Rights Respecting Schools.