The Caloocan City local government has announced on that 138 participants attended the Children's Congress at the Bulwagang Katipunan inside the Caloocan City Hall on Dec. 29.
Through the efforts of the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD), the local government conducted the Children's Congress to strengthen the city's efforts toward youth development and against child abuse.
The children along with their parents participated in various activities prepared by the CSWDD, including forums on children's rights and the role of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC).
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan reiterated his commitment to protect the interests of Caloocan Youth in ways that would be meaningful in their development as responsible citizens of the city and the country.
"Tinutupad ko lang po ang pangako ko sa inyo noong panahon ng kampanya na sa Caloocan, walang batang maiiwan. Ang pag-aalaga po natin sa mga bata ay para rin sa kanilang paglaki bilang mga huwarang mamamayan ng ating lungsod (I'm just fulfilling my promise to you during the campaign that in Caloocan, no child will be left behind. Our care for children is also for their growth as exemplary citizens of our city)," Malapitan said.
The participants were also provided free vitamins, medicines, haircuts, snacks, and game booths.
The mayor likewise emphasized that his administration is considering every factor of child development to provide services that address the needs of children in the city.
"Iba't-ibang mga programa po ang patuloy na ipinapatupad ng ating pamahalaang lungsod upang masiguro natin na lalaking masaya at malusog ang mga bata. Mula sa paglaban sa child labor at iba pang mga abuso, pagpapalakaa ng edukasyon, at pangangalaga sa kanilang kalusugan, hindi po natin pababayaan ang mga Batang Kankaloo (Our city government continues to implement various programs to ensure that children grow up happy and healthy. From the fight against child labor and other abuses, promoting education, and taking care of their health, we will not abandon the Kankaloo Children)," Mayor Along said.
The city government said that the national government agencies have consistently recognized its persistent efforts for children, including the recently conferred Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance from the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC).