In a significant recognition of local governance, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., represented by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, acknowledged the essential function that local governments play in promoting the welfare of children during the 2025 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC). This annual event highlights how pivotal these local authorities are in ensuring that the rights and needs of young Filipinos are met.
Secretary Remulla, standing in for the President, presented awards to five exemplary local government units (LGUs) that have excelled in their roles as advocates for children and youth. These LGUs were chosen from a pool of 1,091 across the nation that successfully passed this year’s rigorous Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit. "We commend these local governments for adopting a holistic approach to child and youth welfare by implementing remarkable programs that support the rights and necessities of every Filipino child," stated Remulla, emphasizing the importance of their initiatives.
Established under Executive Order No. 184 in 1999, the PACFMC honors LGUs with effective systems in place to address the diverse needs and concerns of children, all guided by the Seal of Child Friendly Local Governance from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).
During the ceremony, Remulla urged the awardees to maintain their commitment to nurturing child-friendly environments. "Keep working towards building communities that are safe, inclusive, and engaging. It’s vital to preserve spaces where children can develop with dignity and optimism," he urged.
This year's distinguished recipients included Quezon City recognized in the Highly Urbanized City category, Naga City awarded in the Independent Component City category, Tagaytay City honored as a Component City, Cabagan in Isabela acknowledged for the First to Third Class Municipality category, and Santo Tomas in La Union awarded for the Fourth to Sixth Class Municipality category.
The event also saw the participation of key officials such as Assistant Secretary Zabedin Asiz from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, and members of the National Awards Committee.
