President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has underscored the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in protecting and advancing children’s welfare through programs that serve as key pillars of inclusive governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.

The recognition was made during the 2025 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities where five LGUs were honored for strong performance in delivering child-focused services. Marcos conveyed the message through DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla.

This year’s awardees were Quezon City for the Highly Urbanized City category and Naga City for the Independent Component City category; Tagaytay City won for the Component City category; Cabagan in Isabela was cited for the First to Third Class Municipality category; and Santo Tomas in La Union received the award for the Fourth to Sixth Class Municipality category.

Remulla said the awardees stood out among 1,091 LGUs nationwide that passed this year’s Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit. He noted that the winning LGUs showed consistency in turning national policies into concrete local programs for children and youth.

“These LGUs proved that protecting children’s rights can be done effectively at the community level,” Remulla said. He added that their initiatives responded directly to the needs of Filipino children.

The awards are institutionalized under Executive Order No. 184, series of 1999. The program recognizes LGUs that meet the standards of the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance set by the Council for the Welfare of Children.

Remulla urged the awardees to continue strengthening safe and inclusive spaces for children. He said local governments remain at the frontline of ensuring children grow in secure and supportive communities.

Officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Council for the Welfare of Children attended the ceremony. Members of the National Awards Committee were also present.

The DILG earlier reported that 12 Metro Manila LGUs passed the 2025 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit. The department said this reflected sustained efforts to uphold children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.

The audit is an annual assessment tool developed by the DILG and the CWC. It measures how well LGUs integrate children’s welfare into governance and service delivery.

Alongside the awards, the DILG launched the Local Initiative in Governance and Social Protection or LINGAP program. The initiative aims to strengthen protection for vulnerable sectors through coordinated local action.

DILG Assistant Secretary Ester Aldana said LINGAP aligns with the President’s push for a more inclusive Philippines. She said the program brings together initiatives on gender equality, disability inclusion, and social protection under one framework.

Aldana stressed that dignity and social protection should extend to all vulnerable groups. She said investing in them strengthens communities and national development.

During the event, the DILG also recognized Carmona City in Cavite for its programs for persons with disability. The city recently earned international recognition at the Global Inclusion Awards in Paris.

Carmona Mayor Dahlia Loyola highlighted the city’s KALINGYAKAP program, an initiative that covers education, rehabilitation, inclusive community development, and integrated support services as among the city’s best practices.