MARAWI CITY (PIA) — Local leaders in Marawi praised World Vision’s Urban Child Protection and Participation (UCPP) project, highlighting its beneficial impact on children and communities through strengthened child protection systems, enhanced education, and livelihood support.
City Schools Division Superintendent Anna Zenaida A. Unte-Alonto said the UCPP project positively impacted the city’s education sector.
“The project allowed our learners to showcase their full potential through various activities, programs, and orientations. They are the living witnesses of the good things that World Vision has done for the different identified schools in the city. Not only have the children gained, but their parents have also been supported through livelihood opportunities,” she said.
Rismirah Adap, City Social Welfare and Development Officer described World Vision as a steadfast partner in the city’s recovery and development.
“Ang World Vision ay isa sa mga humanitarian agency na hindi nawala sa Marawi. Hanggang ngayon nandito pa rin sila that’s why I call the World Vision, a family not just a partner of Marawi LGU,” she said.
(World Vision is one of the humanitarian agencies that has never left Marawi. They are still here to this day, which is why I call World Vision a family, not just a partner of Marawi LGU.)
In terms of referrals, case management, and reporting mechanisms, Adap noted that UCPP has been instrumental in helping protect children from violence, discrimination, and gender-based abuse.
Masbud Gaima II, City Director of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) said their goal at MILG is to make barangay institutions like the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) fully functional and the World Vision has been a key partner in helping them achieve that.
Gaima emphasized that the promotion of child rights and protection, once a neglected area in the city, has seen significant progress through their partnership with World Vision.
“We have empowered the children, created the Barangay Children’s Association, and strengthened the BCPCs,” he said, expressing gratitude for the organization’s support.
The World Vision wrapped up the three-year UCPP project in Marawi City with a summit on November 20 recognizing its partners in the project implementation.
World Vision Operations Director Ajab Aram Macapagat said the summit was an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the collective efforts that leave behind a legacy of stronger child protection systems, empowered youth, and better-equipped families.
He assured that World Vision would continue seeking opportunities to work in the area and help improve the well-being of children in Marawi. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
