Local Government Units (LGUs) in Pampanga have been recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region III (DILG R3) for achieving an Ideal Functionality Rating in the 2024 assessment of the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC).

This recognition highlights the province’s strong commitment to promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children.

Pampanga was among the top performers in Central Luzon, where 88% of the 137 assessed LGUs received the highest rating.

The evaluation focused on four key areas: the organizational sustainability of the LCPC, the presence of child-focused policies and plans, budget allocation specifically for child protection efforts, and the overall delivery, monitoring, and management of child-related services.

The assessment followed the standards outlined in DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-039, which provides comprehensive guidelines for the creation, strengthening, and monitoring of LCPCs at all levels of local government.

Based on onsite validation scores, LGUs were rated according to four levels of functionality: Basic (0–20%), Progressive (21–50%), Mature (51–79%), and Ideal (80–100%). Component cities and municipalities were evaluated by their respective Provincial Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Forces (IMTFs), while highly urbanized cities and provinces were assessed by the Regional IMTF.

DILG Region III commended the LGUs of Pampanga for their consistent efforts and encouraged other local governments to strengthen their child protection mechanisms. The agency emphasized the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.