The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) commended two cities and 50 municipalities in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for bagging the ‘2022 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA).’

In a statement, the DILG-CAR Office stressed that this reflects the 52 LGUs’ ‘commitment in creating environments that are conducive to the well-being of children, implementing policies that are relevant to their needs, and providing essential services to support their growth and development.’

“Our LGUs’ dedication in implementing child-friendly policies, programs, and services demonstrates their profound understanding of the importance of nurturing the next generation. By passing the CFLGA, they have not only met the stringent standards set by the audit but also showcased their genuine concern for the rights and welfare of children,” DILG-CAR Director Araceli San Jose said.

“May this recognition serve as an inspiration for your continued excellence in promoting child-friendly governance. Your efforts contribute significantly to building a brighter future for the young members of your community,” she added.

The DILG explained that the CFLGA is an annual assessment gauging the performance of cities and municipalities in the country in the implementation of child-friendly policies, programs, projects and services excelling in the four core rights of children-Survival, Development, Protection, and Participation-and demonstrating strong governance.

The passers composed of 50 municipalities, one component city and one highly urbanized city made it to the list of recipients that met criteria to get the prestigious award.

The municipal/cities awardees are Baguio City, Tabuk City, Asipulo, Kibungan, Itogon, Conner, Tadian, Lamut, Kiangan, Tublay, Buguias, Dolores, Pudtol, Bucay, Kapangan, Mankayan, Tineg, Balbalan, Pilar, Bangued, Bauko, Danglas, Bakun, Luba, Pasil, Tayum, Balbalan, Pilar Bangued, Bauko, Danglas, Bakun, Luba, Pasil,Tayum, Rizal, Tinoc, Luna, Lacub, Santa Marcela, Villaviciosa, Tinglayan, Sablan, La Paz, San Juan, Tanudan, Alfonso Lista, Lagayan, San Quintin, Sallapadan, Peñarrubia  and Boliney.

In urging all LGUs to aim for a 100 percent success rate in the CFLGA, San Jose noted ‘let our communities serve as exemplars of child-friendly excellence, establishing the standard for others to follow.”

Together, we have the power to shape a future that is both successful and compassionate. By fully embracing the CFLGA challenge, we are not simply conducting an audit; we are actively building a lasting legacy. Remember our top priority is ensuring the well-being of our children,” she asserted. 

The DILG_CAR chief also told the LGUs “‘together, let us work towards a future where every child’s potential is realized, where their laughter fills the halls of progress, and where the legacy we create today becomes the foundation for future generations.”