Barangay execs urged to uphold children’s rights

ANAO, Tarlac – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) urged barangay officials to strengthen and uphold children’s rights, protection and empowerment.

In her message during the Thanksgiving of Partners and Donors at Amor Village on Friday, DSWD Regional Director Gemma Gabuya reminded the officials on the goal of the local government when it comes to children protection and empowerment.

“You (barangay officials) are all considered as the faces and voices of the children in the community. Everything starts in the barangay and we should always reach out those who are in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas,” she emphasi zed.

“Every effort should be exerted to promote the welfare of the children and enhance their opportunities for a useful and happy life,” Gabuya added.

Under Presidential Decree No. 603, barangay councils shall have the authority to enact ordinances and resolutions not inconsistent with law or city/ municipal ordinances, as may be necessary to provide for the proper development and welfare of the children in the community, in consultation with representatives of national agencies concerned with child and youth welfare.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Director Gemma Gabuya leads the conferment of recognition to partners in Amor Village located in Anao, Tarlac.

It shall also encourage the organization of a local Council for the Protection of Children and coordinate with the Council for the Welfare of Children and Youth in drawing and implementing plans for the promotion of child and youth welfare.

“Based on the law, barangay offices should allocate budget for the welfare of the children because it addresses full range of services and empowerment such as health, nutrition, education, psychological and social,” she said.

“It is a challenge to strengthen our day care program but at the end of the day, this is not just for us but more importantly for the future generation,” Gabuya furthered.

Among those recognized by DSWD in upholding children’s rights and protection in Amor Village include United Methodist Church, Philippine National Police, Philippine Dental Association, Gerona Junior College, Concepcion Catholic School, Moncada Catholic School, and Municipal Government of Moncada.

Special Envoy of the President to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Monica PrietoTeodoro and Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go served as keynote speakers of the event. — PIA-3