A total of 76 local government units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas have been hailed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for uplifting the welfare and safety of children in their areas.
In an announcement Wednesday, January 22, the DILG said these LGUs have passed the 2024 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA), after thorough deliberation by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Board.
“The CFLGA is an initiative that evaluates and honors localities committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for children’s growth and development. This recognition highlights the unwavering dedication of these LGUs to fostering child-friendly communities that prioritize the well-being and future of the younger generation,” the DILG regional office said.
These LGUs include Baybay City, Ormoc City, Tacloban City, Alangalang, Babatngon, Barugo, Hilongos, Kananga, San Miguel, Tabontabon, Javier, Inopacan, Hindang, Carigara, Burauen, Dagami, and Julita in Leyte province; Almeria, Kawayan, Cabucgayan, Culaba, and Caibiran in Biliran province.
In Eastern Samar, these LGUs are Borongan City, Arteche, General MacArthur, Guiuan, Quinapondan, Llorente, Can-avid, Maydolong, Salcedo, Sulat, Oras, Giporlos, Dolores, Lawaan, Taft, and Balangiga.
Also recognized are Catubig, Mondragon, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, Mapanas, Palapag, Pambujan, San Antonio, and San Roque in Northern Samar; Catbalogan City, Basey, Marabut, Calbiga, Jiabong, Pinabacdao, Tarangnan, Paranas, and Motiong in Samar.
Other passers are Maasin City, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, San Juan, Silago, Sogod, San Ricardo, Tomas Oppus, San Francisco, Saint Bernard, Anahawan, and Limasawa in Southern Leyte.
These local governments were assessed based on a set of criteria, including child-friendly facilities in the barangay; budget allocated and utilized for children’s programs; functional local councils for the protection of children with child representation; and children’s participation in the development of programs, projects and activities.
Also considered were the percentage of fully immunized children; percentage of pregnant adolescents provided with prenatal and postpartum services; percentage of children aged 3-4 provided with early childhood care and development services; percentage of out-of-school children and youth assisted for schooling; and LGUs' management of cases of children in need of special protection.
To pass the audit, LGUs must obtain an overall passing rate of 80 percent with a minimum required score of 12 each for the Survival, Development, Protection, and Participation categories; and 32 points for the Governance category.
The CFLGA is an assessment tool and annual mandatory audit that evaluates the performance of LGUs in implementing child-centered programs and policies.
(With report from PNA)
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