Sunday, October 21, 2007 Lapu CH opens doors to youth
CHILDREN in Lapu-Lapu City can visit anytime the mayor’s office or the concerned department head for a solution of their needs, whether these affect either their studies or their school.
Mayor Arturo Radaza and City Administrator Teodulo Ybañez gave the commitment for “an accessible City Hall” for children during the State of the Children’s Report held at the city’s gymnasium in Barangay Poblacion the other day.
Old needs for more books and classrooms were tapped in the two-hour dialogue between the city officials and high school students from public and private schools that began at 2 p.m. The worry by some students that poverty might bar them from getting to college or taking a vocational course was also raised.
Radaza said the City, Department of Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority has a memorandum of agreement where new graduates from high school in Lapu-Lapu could enroll in a two-year vocational course for free.
“The City has always made its priority the needs and concerns of its youth, especially those children who are less privileged, deprived, in-conflict with the law, physically challenged and neglected,” he said in a speech.
Officials of the children’s and women’s desk of the Philippine National Police also assured full protection and prompt action against abuses and exploitation.
Currently, the City is conducting seminars for social workers, caregivers and case handlers who will entertain complaints and cases involving children.
Radaza said that while the Local Council for Children has been organizing a Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, the City is studying the possibility of creating permanent positions for day care workers, who implements community-based projects for street children.
He also assured that by 2008, the City will be able to construct a Home Care Center for Children, which will house children in conflict with the law, street children and those who are considered as high risk. (AIV)
