The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Monday announced the winners for the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC).
The five cities that won awards are: Buenavista, Guimaras in the first to third class municipality category; Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte in the fourth to sixth class municipality category; Ilagan City in the component city category; Santiago City in the independent component city category; and Davao City in the highly urbanized city category.
DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said individuals, families, agencies and organizations who protect the welfare of the children were among the most vulnerable sectors in Philippine society.
PACFMC recognizes local government units who safeguard children’s rights.
“Their individual and organizational contributions, big or small, make our country a better place for our children. The awardees and finalists did their best to provide Filipino children with quality and effective programs and services. We want their efforts to be sustained and replicated in aid of other marginalized and vulnerable groups and families that need our support and service,” Taguiwalo said.
She reminded everyone that much still has to be done for Filipino children.
“Many of them do not still fully enjoy basic rights such as education, food and shelter. We can reach out to many more of our children. We can all help build a better future for them,” Taguiwalo said.
The secretary also thanked the Council for the Welfare of Children for taking the lead in recognizing child-friendly LGUs and providing them with technical support and assistance.
She also thanked the LGUs for their efforts to improve the quality of services and initiatives for children’s welfare and development.