City delivers State of the Children Address
BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City Government, through Department of Social Services and Development head Sally Abelarde, recently delivered the State of the Children Address during the 4th City Wide Children’s Congress at the MassKara Hall of New Government Center.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that the city government has always had programs for the protection and welfare of the children as children will grow to become productive citizens of the society if they are provided with all their needs, including education and guidance, as they grow up.
Present during the children’s congress were Councilors Homer Bais and Celia Flor who expressed their full support to the children’s welfare.
This year’s theme was “Bright Child: Proteksyon ng Bata Pananagutan ng Bansa”. Abelarde echoed the mayor’s sentiment that one of the city government’s major thrusts is to prioritize the development and needs of the children in their survival, development, protection and participation rights through enactment of laws and ordinances and sustained implementation of programs and services.
Among the salient points discussed by the DSSD head was a report from the City Planning and Development Office which showed the present trending in the children population. Also discussed was the number of children who benefitted from the various programs set by the city government that included free immunization, feeding programs, medical care for pregnant and lactating mothers, environment protection, free education, skills training and programs for the out-of-school youth.
The city government’s nutrition program had been a consistent recipient of the Green Banner Award, and thus received the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award.
With the data presented, the department in cooperation with inter-agencies and child advocates wanted to mainstream the implementation of the Early Childhood and Care Development (ECCD) program at the LGU level; to maximize implementation of the Unlad Kabataan Program (UKP) for the out-of-school youth on the development of life skill; to provide access to educational skills development opportunities thru: TESDA, Alay Lakad, St. Ezekiel Moreno Resource Center, Bacolod Educational Scholarship Program, City Mayor Educational Scholarship Program; Full implementation of the City Child and City Welfare Code; to strengthen Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC); to continue info-drive on Children’s Rights; to put up Youth Home for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL); and to strengthen Local Council for the Protection of Children and Family and advocacy on RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act.
