CARMONA CITY, Cavite (PIA) – Local government units should remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of children and creating a community that will protect them from all kinds of abuse, a town mayor stressed during a recognition ceremony for the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG).

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IV-A and the Department of Social Welfare and Employment (DSWD) IV-A, recognized 63 LGUs in Calabarzon during the 2022 SCFLG awarding ceremony on April 4, for their exemplary performance in enacting programs and policies aimed at protecting children from abuse.

The 2022 SCFLG assessed all 142 local government units in the Calabarzon region through the following indicators categorized under the four categories of children’s rights: survival, development, protection and participation, and governance.

In a message of support, Agoncillo, Batangas Mayor Cinderella Valenton Reyes said local government units must protect the rights of children and not make compromises on cases of child abuse.

“The law dictates that we cannot make compromises in cases of child abuse. We, as elected officials, have to take a stand. We cannot make compromises on cases like these,” Reyes said.

The local chief executive believes that local leaders have a moral obligation to be an instrument for the welfare and development of children.

“We are all tasked by our Lord and the law to be vigilant and protect our youth. When the time comes, it is very difficult for a victim to find their voice and ultimately speak out against the abuse inflicted upon them,” Reyes added.

Agoncillo is one of the 11 cities and municipalities in Batangas Province that received the 2022 SCFLG. They are joined by 13 LGUs in Laguna, 10 in Rizal Province, and 15 in Quezon Province.

Meanwhile, Carmona stands with the 14 LGUs in Cavite province to receive the award, having achieved a perfect score of 100 points in the 2022 audit.

Cavite 5th District Representative and former Carmona Mayor Roy Loyola commits to advance child causes in his constituency.

Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to create an environment where children can go and realize their potential. We have strived to enable young people to take charge of their own lives, make informed decisions, and be engaged in the processes that affect them,” the lawmaker declared.

Mylah Gatchalian, assistant regional director for operations of DSWD IV-A, emphasized that towns and cities that are considered “child-friendly” always include children in their programs, legislation, and services.

“Great leaders who tirelessly create vibrant spaces emphasizing inclusivity and ensuring children of all abilities can participate. Leaders who are champions of child-friendly local governance, giving priority to children in planning, budgeting, legislation, and delivery of services to assure that the rights of a child are realized,” Gatchalian said. (PB/PIA-4A)