CITY of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago said in his recent State of the Children's Report that he will continue to protect every Fernandino's rights.
"We have maintained. And now, we will continue to provide better access, high quality, and sustainable facilities and programs for the protection and promotion of every Fernandino's rights," the mayor said.
The city strengthens its commitment to the welfare and protection of the children particularly on their rights to survival, development, protection and participation.
He said: "Taon-tao na ko ay natutuwa dahil sa pag-angat ng kalagayan ng mga bata lalo na sa edukasyon (I'm happy every year because of the improved situation of the children, especially in education), from Early Childhood Care Development to K to 12. We also have relatively better levels of health indicators now due to the improved facilities and initiatives we have for health like the complete immunization, operation tuli (circumcision), supplementary, and feeding program, etc."
Santiago also recognized the challenge in protecting Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), Children in Strict Condition (CISC), and Out of School Youth (OSY).
"Tuloy tuloy ang ating anti-mendicancy program, rescue operations, the Bahay Pag-asa and our continuous support to our institutionalized charities. Ito ay nakatuon sa pagreporma at pagsalba sa mga batang tila'y nalilihis nang landas, mga batang nakakagawa ng mga bagay na labag sa batas, at mga batang mas higit na nangangailangan ng kalinga at proteksyon (This is focused on reforming and saving the children who seemed to be deviated from the path, kids who committed unlawful acts, and kids who are most in need of care and protection)," the mayor said.
The fervent implementation and delivery of basic social programs and services have brought many accomplishments to the city.
Through the concerted efforts of San Fernando local government units governed by the Local Protection for Children (LCPC), such rights have become reality in the lives of every Fernandino child.
"The proverb, 'It takes a village to raise a child,' is indeed true. I encourage you to help me in protecting, developing and nurturing our children. They are tomorrow's promise, our future at hand," Santiago ended.
On the same day, Most Child-friendly barangays and Outstanding Barangay Council for the Protection of Children were awarded.
For over 35 barangays, San Agustin was hailed as the Most Child-friendly barangay while Sindalan bagged the first place as Outstanding Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.
Meanwhile, Barangay Juliana was recognized and awarded the Most Child-friendly barangay Hall of Fame. (PR)