The City Government of Balanga, led by the City Council for the Protection of Children (CCPC), launched a three-day training for updating the Local Development Plan for Children last August 23.
It aims to strengthen the knowledge, practices, and skills in promoting and protecting children’s rights, as well as guiding the frameworks in developing and enriching plans related to the rights and further improving the Local Investment Plan for Children (LIPC) of the City of Balanga. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) led this activity.
The head of CSWD and CCPC Secretariat, Lalaine De Leon, acknowledged the attendees, including city officials, chief managers of various departments and their representatives, some barangay officials, child representatives, as well as some representatives from national agencies and private organizations, including the PNP, DepEd, and MSGC. She also conveyed her gratitude to the attendees for their active support and participation in the City’s initiatives led by the City Mayor, Francis Anthony Garcia, Vice Mayor Vianca Lita Gozon, and City Council staff. De Leon also emphasized the importance of this exercise to focus on the quality of the city’s children’s programs.
The Good Governance Committee Chairperson Benigno Meriño reminded all to pay attention to this exercise, which will bring a thorough knowledge about the rights of young people.
Meanwhile, this three-day workshop contained a discussion from the Localization and Institutionalization Division (LID) of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) POI Lance Lagos, PO II, and CCPC Secretariat Zeta Marisse Navales, PO III/Regional Coordinator of Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RSCWC) Aple Shayne Lomoljo, and CWC Team. There was also sharing of knowledge through open mic discussion and presentation of outputs.
Committee Chairperson on Women and Family Ma. Liza Vasquez is grateful for the coordination and participation of those who attended. According to her, it can be hoped that the city will continue to strengthen relations with various agencies that can greatly improve the community.
In his message, Mayor Garcia discussed more effective communication, with the collaboration of youth representatives, to further strengthen the voice of the youth. It will serve as a “freedom wall” where the younger generations can freely express their suggestions and comments. This concept can be implemented through a Facebook page or at the barangay level.
The Mayor also urged the solidarity of all local and national offices to participate and support the city’s plans and measures for the good of Balangueño children.