Eighteen local government units (LGUs) in Pampanga were recognized for their efforts to protect women and children.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded “Highly Functional” ratings to LGUs that demonstrated outstanding performance in creating safe, responsive, and rights-based systems aimed at preventing abuse and exploitation of women and children.
The LGUs were rated based on the 2025 Functionality Assessment of Local Committees on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC).
Leading the list of top-performing LGUs were Arayat and Floridablanca, both receiving an exceptional score of 110%.
They were followed by Minalin, Santa Rita, and Lubao, each with 106%, and Mabalacat City with 105%.
Other LGUs recognized by the agency include San Simon and Santo Tomas (104%), Candaba and Guagua (101%), Mexico (97%), Porac (94.5%), Bacolor, Santa Ana (both 94%), Apalit (93.5%), Sasmuan (91%), and Masantol (90%).
Magalang, though scoring the lowest at 81%, still qualified under the assessment.
The LCAT-VAWC functionality assessment measures efforts in prevention, protection, recovery, and reintegration services for victims, as well as coordination among agencies involved in addressing gender-based violence and human trafficking.
Officials commended the awardees for their proactive stance and strong collaboration in advancing women and children’s rights.