CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA – Fourteen municipalities received P100,000 cash incentives and plaque of Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance 2018 from the provincial government.
The awarding coincided with the kick-off celebration of the 27th National Children’s Month held during the flag raising ceremony at the capitol grounds, here.
Elizabeth Baybayan, head of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said the awarding is in accordance with the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) Ideal Level of Functionality Resolution 1, series of 2019.
She said, the LGUs were given cash incentives as they were able to present a clear work and financial plan for children.
Board Member Cherry Manalo, committee chairperson for Women and Gender Equality and Welfare of Children, said the occasion aims to inform and reiterate the rights of children to education, health, and good morals.
“Nakikita naman po natin ngayon na marami pang bata o magulang na yung karapatan ng mga bata ay hindi pa nila alam talaga. Why? May makikita ka parin na bata na naghahanap buhay” Manalo said.
Due to the persisting issues on the abuse and rights of children, Manalo said children should be able to play and to be educated.
“Dapat sila ay naglalaro, na kung saan ay sila ay dapat nag-aaral. Yung bagay na yon na—I think kahit maraming batas ang nakikita natin, may mga bata pa rin na hindi nila alam ang kanilang karapatan—na kung minsan doon naviviolate ang kanilang karapatan” she added.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10661, the month of November is declared as a National Children’s Month—commemorating the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989.
Moreover, as an acknowledgement of the Provincial Government on the various forms of child violence, abuse and exploitation, it became a must for LGUs to enjoin in the implementation and monitoring of children’s programs in all their respective LCPCs.
Through the enactment of Executive Order No. 02—2016, Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) Monitoring Team was formed to comply with the assessment and evaluation of the level of functionality of LCPCs in all cities and municipalities every month of October.
Respective LGUs must attain a total of 80%-100% rating: 10% for organization, 5% for meetings, 25% for policies, plans, and budget, and 40% for accomplishments such as utilization of funds, state of children reports, and accomplishments on reflected LGU Annual report and State of Local Address (SOLA).
Cash incentives should be distributed to child-friendly establishments (playgrounds, libraries, youth centers, child protection units), child-related programs such as Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), health and nutrition programs, advocacy activities on elimination of all forms of child abuse, parent education services, assistance to children in need of special protection (CNSP), and development of advocacy materials.
Furthermore, the provincial government is still contemplating on planning to put up a child protection center to give children a safer environment.
The fourteen cities and municipalities awarded with cash incentives were Sta. Rita, Sasmuan, San Simon, San Luis, Porac, Mexico, Guagua, Floridablanca, Candaba, Bacolor, Arayat, Apalit, City of San Fernando, and Mabalacat City.
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