LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- An audit and recognition system for the protection and welfare of children through the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG) takes off this year, as preparations for LGU assessment are underway.
The SCFLG was launched last year where LGUs will undergo mandatory audit system on the delivery of services with positive results for children and if they qualify, will be accorded a seal.
DILG-Benguet Provincial Director Rufina Fegcan said initial preparations undertaken for the SCFLG are the gathering of relevant data by members of the provincial assessment team composed of representatives from the civil society, government agency partners and DILG.
The data collected together with the other documents to be submitted by the LGU will be further assessed by the team.
Jocelyn Rojo of DILG-CAR, who briefed members of the Regional Sub-Committee of the Welfare of Children in a meeting held recently, presented the indicators as basis in qualifying LGUs to the seal.
These indicators include: percentage reduction in deaths among under five children; percentage reduction in children under six with below normal weights; percentage increase in day care attendance; completion rate in elementary; absence of child labor or percentage reduction in child labor cases; percentage reduction in the number of children victim of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and trafficking in persons; safety measures for children in the community and schools; children’s rights to survival, development, participation and protection; ordinance establishing the Barangay Violence Against Women and their Children desks; 2013 Philhealth accreditation in its main facility or rural health unit; local school board plan for school year 2013 that is aligned with the school; completed at least 7 percent its LSB plan for 2013; Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) functionality; and presence of child representative in the LCPC.
LGUs conferred of the SCFLG will advance to the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly municipalities and cities. (Susan Aro)