A CEBU City lawmaker has proposed an ordinance recognizing public schools that are friendly to children.
Councilor Alvin Dizon said his measure is titled, “Child-Friendly Public School Award of Cebu City.”
The legislation, he said, aims to achieve goals within the framework of a “rights-based, inclusive and quality education” and one that promotes “life-long learning opportunities for all” students.
The City Council referred the draft ordinance to the committee on laws for review.
If the measure is approved, the Cebu City Most Child-Friendly Public Schools Award would be granted to schools that are good in academic performance, active in community participation, follow conducive and safe learning practices and ensure a safe space and holistic development for students. The other criteria include school innovations, instruction proficiency, students’ participation in classes and minimal drop-out rates, programs that promote inclusive education and efficient school administration.
The draft ordinance states that P3 million must be appropriated for the program.
Dizon’s proposed ordinance states that only two schools can receive the award—one in the elementary level and one in the secondary level. Each winner would get P500,000 in cash prize and a seal of recognition.
The Local School Board (LSB) would implement the ordinance if it is approved by the City Council. It would be given the power to grant additional recognition to the schools within the prescribed criteria and allocated budget.
The proposed ordinance states that the schools have to submit an accomplishment and utilization report to the LSB a month before the classes of the new school year begin so they can be evaluated during the selection process.
The awardees are required to allocate a budget and share their best practices to other schools, according to the proposed ordinance, which further states that the awarding ceremony shall be held annually, preferably during the National Children’s Month every November. (JJL)