BAGUIO CITY – Believing that the children is the future of the country and the world as a whole, the city government here continuously carry out the different programs intended for the welfare of the children in the city pines.
The various programs, projects and activities of the city government here imparted to the children made Baguio a child friendly city.
In 2014, the city council has passed seven ordinances and 32 resolutions for children.
Comprehensive Development Plan for 2015-2020 and Local Development Plan for Children for 2006-2025 were also formulated.
As to the resource allocation and utilization, 95.01 % of the total amount allotted or children was spent for the children. While, an external funding with the partner non-government organizations allotted an amount of P11,528,241.00.
The city extends health services with the presence of essential child health services like breastfeeding, immunization, micronutrient supplementation (vit. A and iron), new born care, prenatal care among others. Also, the city was able to fully immunized 93.56% children.
With regards the underweight 0-71 months children, the city is 1.48% very low compared to the national prevalence of 13.65%.
Other health services offered to the children includes food assistance and nutrition education program, iodized salt testing, and the availability and access on safe water.
The existence of a medical outreach in coordination with the Baguio Health Department and the Special Division of the Mayor’s Office is being realized.
Simultaneous with the medical services is the health information campaign like responsible parenthood, family planning, adolescent reproductive health and VAWC.
On the other hand, there are 90 day care workers manning the 112 day care centers in the city wherein 13 of them holds a plantilla position and 77 are under the Parents Committee being subsidized by the city government of Baguio. Other day care workers are sponsored by partner organizations such as the Balikatan sa Kaunlaran, Inc. and Baguio Women’s Club.
364 schools, both public and private are serving the children in the city.
Children at risk are undergoing intervention programs under the supervision of social workers, Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, faith-based organizations, among others.
The city government conducts Basic Integrated Theatre Arts (BITAW) for child abuse victim survivors while radio guesting on prevention of child abuse being undertaken by the Anti Child Abuse network (ACAN).
Further, the Street Urban Working Children (SUWC) come together at the City Social Welfare and Development Office every Saturday for their tuitorials, spiritual enrichment, arts workshop and other values formation activities that aims to promote and improve their social development.
Meanwhile, street children who are out-of-school are provided with psychosocial services such as referral to other facilities for them to undergo life skills training.
In light with the country’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in pursuit for the development of indigenous people, the city crafted the Life Skills Development Appreciation of Culture and Ethnicity for Urban Indigenous Youth.
This is an opportunity for urban indigenous youth to be exposed to ethnic dancing, singing and use of basic musical instruments.
Highlighting the city’s concern for children is the Scout Officials for a Day wherein boy and girl scouts took a reign for a day in the different government offices and the Sight for Kids which is a joint venture among other local partners and local lions clubs.
The Angat Bata project is a joint project of the city government and Texas Instruments wherein educational assistance to identified 100 children (elementary and high school) are extended to indigenous families. An amount of P4,000 per year is given per child and at the same time said beneficiaries are being supervised by the CSWDO and partner NGOs.
The FBCPC conducts BATAlympics, Children Got Talent competition and Children’s Congress every October.
As a result of these various programs and activities intended for children, Baguio City qualified and shortlisted for the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities.
Other competing cities for the presidential award this year are the cities of Bacolod, Mandaluyong and Davao./Jho Arranz
