CEBU, Philippines — For promoting child-friendly policies and programs, 64 local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas will be receiving the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG).
The cities and municipalities of the region have successfully passed the Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The Province of Cebu came strong with its three highly urbanized cities, six component cities, and 35 municipalities recognized for meeting the criteria.
These are the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, while the six component cities are Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Naga, Talisay, and Toledo.
The municipalities, meanwhile, are Alegria, Aloguinsan, Argao, Asturias, Balamban, Bantayan, Barili, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Daanbantayan, Dalaguete, Liloan, Madridejos, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Minglanilla, Pilar, Pinamungajan, Poro, Ronda, Samboan, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Santander, Sibonga, Sogod, Tuburan, and Tudela.
In Bohol Province, Tagbilaran City and the towns of Antequera, Calape, Candijay, Catigbian, Corella, Getafe, Guindulman, Loay, Loboc, Maribojoc, Ubay, and Valencia were also recognized.
In Negros Oriental, the cities of Bais and Dumaguete, along with the municipalities of San Jose and Tayasan have also successfully passed the audit.
The municipalities of Larena, San Juan, and Siquijor in Siquijor Provincd were also recognized.
In a Facebook post made by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, he shared that the city put an impressive score of 95.17 percent, which he attributed to their dedication in implementing programs and projects for the welfare of the children.
“Di kita moundang sa atong mga paningkamot kay usa sa atong mga prayoridad kay ang mga kabataan nga pagkahuman sa 10 years o 20 years, gusto nato sila makita nga magmalampuson kay sila naman sunod ang modala sa atong syudad ug mohulma sa usa ka maayung komunidad,” Chan staid.
The CFLGA was established in 2014 through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2014-80.
It is designed to measure the commitment of each LGU to child’s welfare and development.
This assessment will help in determining what local governments are currently doing, what they should improve, and how the national government agencies (NGAs) can support them through technical or financial assistance.
Showcasing each of the cities and municipalities best practices and areas that require intervention, the audit aims to create a more child-friendly society.
According to the DILG, the CFLGA is considered as one of the most challenging evaluations for LGUs since it requires strict compliance with a set of indicators that assess child-focused programs, policies, and services.
The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Board will be the one to award the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance. — JG (FREEMAN)