In a commendable recognition of their efforts to enhance child welfare, six local government units (LGUs) in Antique were awarded the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance by the Council for the Welfare of Children Board (CWCB). The ceremony took place at Sam’s Hotel in Iloilo City on November 11, 2024. The honored municipalities include Barbaza, Sibalom, San Jose de Buenavista, Sebaste, and Patnongon, while Laua-an was unable to attend the event.
Careen Panaguiton, the officer-in-charge at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, emphasized that the seal is awarded to LGUs that actively implement projects and policies aimed at improving children’s lives. Barbaza’s Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer, Prechie Alavata, expressed that the recognition has motivated them to further their efforts in child protection, particularly aiming to maintain zero abuse cases within their jurisdiction. Barbaza’s success is attributed to the effective operation of the Local Council for the Protection of Children across all 39 barangays.
In Sibalom, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, led by Susan Solis, offers comprehensive support to victims of abuse, including counseling, medical and psychiatric treatment, and temporary shelter through the VAWC Center located near the town hall. Social worker Ma. Dominga Zaragoza highlighted their referral system, which has facilitated the transfer of 16 girls to specialized care facilities in Iloilo province. Additionally, four girls have been successfully reintegrated into their communities and are now attending school.
Zaragoza stressed the importance of parental vigilance in protecting children from abuse and announced plans to intensify awareness campaigns about children’s rights. Panaguiton expressed hope that more towns in Antique will achieve this prestigious recognition in the coming year.
The CWCB, which includes representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and other relevant agencies, oversees the conferment of the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance.