Local government units (LGUs) play a big and vital role in protecting the rights and welfare of children in the Philippines.
According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, LGUs should be firmer in ensuring that young constituents are well taken care of through established programs and policies.
“Mahalaga na ang bawat isa sa atin, lalong lalo na ang nasa barangay at munisipyo, ay maigting na protektahan at itaguyod ang karapatan ng mga bata,” she emphasized.
(It is imperative that we, especially those in the barangays and municipalities, are able to contribute in protecting and supporting the rights of the child)
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) of the DSWD recently recognized the efforts of local government units in creating child-friendly environments through the 2014 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities.
This year's winner includes: Mindanao's Davao City for the urbanized city category, Isabela's Santiago City for the independent component city category, and Cavite's Tagaytay City for the component city category.
Meanwhile, at least 18 LGUs were also recognized as finalists in this year's awarding ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Child-friendly governance
Established through Executive Order No. 195 in 1999, the award aims to encourage more LGUs to initiate programs and projects promoting children's rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.
It also seeks to ensure child-friendly governance across the country.
Child-friendly governance is reflected through LGU poligies, programs, and interventions implemented to address various child-related issues and problems.
These issues include infant and maternal deaths, teenage pregnancy awareness, school dropouts, and many forms of child abuse, among others.
CWC also gives Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFG) to cities and municipalities which are working extensively towards achieving a safe environment for children.
The SCFG was launched in 2013 by CWC as proof of the country's commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
source: Rappler.com
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