DOLORES, Abra (PIA) – The local government of Dolores is steadfast in the protection and promotion of children’s rights and welfare.
During the town’s Children’s Month celebration on December 13, the municipal government through the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) provided platforms for children to express themselves and showcase their talents.
Mayor Conde Turqueza expressed gratitude to the children and parents and stressed the importance of the involvement of the whole community to raise the children who will be the leaders of the future.
“Dagitoy ubbing ti mangilongalong ti progreso ti ili tayo. I-congratulate ko dagitoy maestro ken maestra nga mangipaspasigepsep kadakuada ti naananay nga sursuro ken edukasyon ta agbalindanto nga asset ti munisipyo,” he said.
Turqueza also urged parents and guardians to support the education of their children who are the hope for the future.
“Dakayo nga nagannak ken appo dagitoy ubbing, haan tayo nga lappedan ida nga agadal nodiket i-inculcate tayo kanyada ti importance ti edukasyon,” he added.
This year’s celebration was highlighted with the Design a Violence Against Children Hotline Calling Card competition, story-telling, and draw-and-tell contests among secondary and elementary schools in the municipality.
For the Violence Against Children Hotline Calling Card design competition, Jermaine Alyssa T. Gandeza, Jessae Mae L. Tuazon, Jerlyn P. Gines, Andrea Elyssa C. Wacquisan, and Shayne B. Ballacillo, all from the Rosalio Eduarte National High School were selected as winners from more than ten entries.
Meanwhile, Liam Ranz A. Palino of Don Rosalio Eduarte Elementary School (DREES) won the top prize for the story-telling contest with Jeali Markle Rham T. Tesoro from Kimmalaba Elementary School in second place, and Lavinia Laguisma of Dolores Central School (DCS) in third place.
Winners of the Draw-and-Tell competition are Eliza Rose B. Talingdan of the DCS in first place, Elisha C. Belisario of the DREES in second place, and Edrei Josh T. Casuga of the Taping Elementary School in third place.
Aside from the literary and arts contests, the municipal government also recognized ‘Ten Most Loved Family Health Diaries’ which are given to expectant mothers during their first check-up at the local health facilities.
Now in its fourth year, the diary also known as the “Mother and Child Handbook,” contains records of important details such as mother’s check-up, child development, emergency information to help in the safe and healthy delivery and growth of the baby.
The Dolores National Children’s Month Celebration 2024 carried the theme “”Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines!”
Dolores was recognized during the 2023 Awarding of Best Local Government Units for garnering the second highest score in the region during the 2021 Child- Friendly Local Governance Audit. (JJPM-PIACAR, Abra)
