DSWD6 calls for child-friendly environment
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI here urged Local Government Units (LGUs) to develop a child-friendly environment.
"We are the ones paving the way for the children's future. Let us see to it that they get they have their survival, developmental and protection rights," stressed OIC Regional Director Teresita S. Rosales during the 14th National Children's Month Celebration Culminating Activity and Recognition of Advocates to the Child-friendly movement on October 27, 2006.
According to Rosales, these include the basic rights of children: the right to be born, to have a name and a nationality; to have a family who will love and care; to live in a peaceful community and a wholesome environment; to have enough food and a healthy and active body; to have good education and develop potential; to be given opportunities for play and leisure; to be protected against abuse, exploitation, neglect, violence and danger; to be assisted and defended by the government and to be able to express own views.
During the activity, winners in the Presidential Awards for the Most Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities in the regional level were recognized. These include Bacolod City for the Highly Urbanized City Category; Jordan in Guimaras for the 1st to 3rd Class Category and New Lucena in Iloilo for the 4th to 6th Class Category.
Atty. Anna Marie Palermo of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City; Mayor Felipe Hilan Nava of Jordan and Mayor Jun Mondejar of New Lucena personally graced the activity and received the certificates of recognition.
Also recognized for active participation in the Child-Friendly Movement were the Local Government Units of Iloilo City (for Highly Urbanized City); Buenavista in Guimaras, Maayon in Capiz, Pandan, San Jose and Sibalom in Antique; Kalibo in Aklan, Tapaz and Sigma in Capiz and Concepcion in Iloilo.
Eugene Baclig of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) lauded Western Visayas for having three national entries (the winners in the regional level) for the Presidential Awards for the Most Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities. He revealed that only a total of 13 entries were elevated to the national level and Region 6 has the most number of entries.
Also present during the activity were Corazon Paraiso of the National Council for Social Development; Yolanda Go of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Rosario Silla of the Operations Division of DSWD; Waheda Borres of the National Commission on Indigenous People; Erlinda Salmo of Department of Agriculture; Kristine Mendoza and Patrick Oquendo of DSWD; Joy Valla of Save the Children; Joy Valla of DILG; Joy Tigres of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); Edwin Espino of Department of Education; and Juliet Pacificar of the Philippine National Police.