THE City Government of San Fernando bared Thursday, November 28, its programs aimed at ensuring the readiness of the youth in challenges that come with the 21st century.

During the State of the Children's Congress held at the Heroes Hall in the City of San Fernando, Mayor Edwin Santiago said the City Government is focused on equipping the youth with the skills and knowledge to easily adapt to the demands of the foreseen fast-paced changes in society.

He cited the city's implementation of the Early Child Care and Development (ECCD), which focuses on the holistic growth of the children.

"When we say holistic development, we talk about academic, spiritual and the attitude of the children to ensure that they have a strong foundation," Santiago said.

Currently, Santiago said there are a total of 90 ECCDs that cater to the youth from the 35 villages in the city, and are manned by skilled child development teachers.

"This is to ensure the attention needed by the students will be given by our child development teachers who undergo rigorous training and seminars," he added.

Aside from the ECCD, Santiago said the City Government also takes pride in the quality of education offered in public elementary and secondary schools in the city.

"We also have the City College of San Fernando that provides quality tertiary education to indigent Fernandinos. We focus on the education of youth because we believe that it is best armor they can use against poverty and challenges of the times," he said.