Search for Child Friendly Barangay

OUR national hero's statement still remains to be one of the strongest statements where the progress of our nation lies, "The youth is the hope of a fatherland..." still remains to be an inspiring yet a challenging statement, for how we as an institution and as a society mold the youth of today could predict what they become of the future. Where a society where violence is all there is, or where there is no order or peace, where a child absorbs the fears of his/her parents that their safety and preservation of their properties are at risk from lawless elements, it is more likely that such would be passed on as the child grows.

The government is vested with the authority and responsibility, along with family and the community, to provide a society with such safety and protection, mean available where the child could be molded into a decent, responsible and humane person.

In this light, one of the programs that the government has institutionalized is the observance of Children's Month on October as per Proclamation No. 267 dated September 30, 1993. This celebration recognizes the Filipino Children as the most valuable assets of the nation and recognizes their role in nation building. This year's theme for the celebration if "Bright Child ay Siguraduhin, Responsableng Pamamahayag ay Palaganapin."

One of the major activities to be conducted on the city, in line with the Children's Month is the Search for Child Friendly Barangay which was institutionalized throught City Ordinance No. 30, Series of 2004. With the many programs of the government, both local and the national, the barangays have been vested with the role in promoting and protection children's rights to survival, development, protection and participation. The search intends to give recognition to the barangays that are child-friendly, to encourage the barangays to identify and address issues and concerns for the full realization of the rights of children, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of programs and services for children.

The search is open to all the barangays in the city. For interested participants, forms and other requirements are available at the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office. Last day for the submission of entries will be on September 21, 2012.

Cash prizes for winners are: P 40,000 for the first places, P 30,000 for the second, and P 20,000 for the third place. Consolation prizes will also be awarded.

Hon. Joel Alangsab, Liga President and City Councilor expressed that this is one way of recognizing the efforts of the barangays in advancing city and national programs. With the multifarious responsibilities and tasks of the barangays, it is but proper that those who exert beyond expectation are properly recognized. Not only will it serve them the acknowledgement aptly accorded to them, it will likewise serve as an inspiration to the other barangays. This is but one of the programs recognizing the barangay council's efforts, one recently concluded and awarded was the Search for the Best Performing Barangays wherein Irisan was awarded the plaque for this year. We encourage the barangay councils who perform their duties and responsibilities, to participate in these searches for them to show their accomplishments for 2011-2012 with regards the social services part of their responsibility.

Interested participants may directly coordinate or inquire from the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

To the winners of the Best Performing Barangays, congratulations and keep up the good work.