SEVENTY-THREE villages have been conferred with the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Achievement Award for consistently being rated “ideal” in council functionality.
The award was conferred to the 73 villages by the Zamboanga City Council for the Protection of Children (ZCCPC) chaired by Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.
“Ideal” is the highest rating in the BCPC functionality wherein the cited villages ensure the implementation of the rights of the children to protection, survival, development and participation.
The awardee-villages are Ayala, Baliwasan, Baluno, Boalan, Bolong, Buenavista, Bunguiao, Cabaluay, Cacao, Calabasa, Calarian, Camino Nuevo, Campo Islam, Canelar, Capisan, Cawit, Culianan, Curuan, Dulian Bunguiao, Guisao, Guiwan, Kasanyangan, Labuan, Lamisahan, Landang Gua, Lansones, La Paz, Latuan, Limpapa, Lunzuran,
Maasin, Malagutay, Manicahan, Mariki, Mercedes, Pamucutan, Pasilmanta, Pasobolong, Pasonanca, Patalon, Putik, Quiniput, Recodo, Rio Hondo, Salaan, Sangali, San Jose Cawa-cawa, San Jose Gusu, San Roque, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Maria, Sto. Nino, Sibulao, Sinubong, Sinunuc, Tagasilay, Talabaan, Talisayan, Talon-talon, Taluksangay, Tetuan, Tictapul, Tigbalabag, Tolosa, Tulungatung, Tumaga, Tumalutab, Victoria, Zone I, Zone II, Zone III and Zone IV.
Salazar spearheaded the conferment ceremony, which was held on Monday, December 17, in one of the local hotels. She was joined by City Social Welfare and Development Officer Socorro Rojas and Darren Torres of the ZCCPC.
Salazar said the full functionality of the BCPC is required by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Under Article 87 of Presidential Decree No. 603, every village council shall encourage the organization of a local Council for the Protection of Children and shall coordinate with the Council for the Welfare of Children and Youth in drawing and implementing plans for the promotion of child and youth welfare.
Based on the law, Salazar said the membership shall be taken from responsible members of the community including a representative of the youth, as well as representatives of government and private agencies concerned with the welfare
of children and youth whose area of assignment includes the particular village and shall be on a purely voluntary basis.