CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- In his aim to provide a safe environment to Fernandino youth, Mayor Edwin Santiago continues to implement programs that are geared towards making San Fernando child-friendly.
During the State of Children’s Report 2017 held at Heroes Hall Tuesday, Santiago bared to the public the programs dedicated to the Fernandino youth which he described as “faces of the New San Fernando.”
He cited the creation and strong participation of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) which is tasked to look over and provide assistance to needy and abused children, especially those from grassroots level.
The LCPC, composed of local and barangay officials and personnel of the City Social Welfare and Development Office and department heads, ensures the survival, development, protection and participation of the children, Santiago added.
He also noted of the assistance provided by the City Health Office from the mother’s pregnancy, including monthly check-ups and natal care, to the first 1,000 days of the baby.
Education is also a top priority for the City of San Fernando as it is one of the few local government units that implements Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), an educational program that informs and molds children to become better citizens, Santiago said.
He added day care centers are also continuously developed along with their designated child development teachers to provide the best early education to Fernandino children. The daycare centers are now converted to become National Child Development Centers to provide quality service to students.
From early education, the local government in partnership with the Department of Education also provides quality education to elementary, junior and senior high school through the K to 12 program.
Santiago also said that various buildings and other educational infrastructures that are conducive for learning are constructed to supplement the quality education the government offers.
Santiago also cited the participation of the private sector and non-government organizations for the youth sector through the Alay-Lakad program, the annual youth week and the scholarships they sponsor yearly.
“As I always say, it takes a village to raise a child. And I am thankful that the Fernandino community is very supportive in helping us raise productive individuals which embodies the culture and heritage of San Fernando,” he said.