Nineteen local government units (LGUs) in Pampanga earned recognition for achieving the Ideal Level of Functionality in the assessment of their Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs), affirming their efforts to uphold children’s rights, welfare, and development.
The awards were presented on November 9 at the Capitol Grounds during the Provincial Children’s Month Celebration, led by the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Board Member Fritzie David-Dizon, chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender and Development, and DILG Provincial Director Myra Soriano led the awarding of plaques on behalf of Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, together with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Floridablanca, Lubao, and San Simon topped the assessment with perfect 100-percent functionality ratings.
The other recognized LGUs were:
✅ Santo Tomas (98.86%)
✅ Mabalacat City (96.46%)
✅ Porac (95.31%)
✅ Bacolor and Guagua (95.20%)
✅ Candaba (94.80%)
✅ Mexico (92.91%)
✅ Sasmuan (92.40%)
✅ Apalit and Arayat (91.20%)
✅ Minalin (89.46%)
✅ City of San Fernando (88.91%)
✅ Magalang (88.31%)
✅ Santa Rita (87.71%)
✅ San Luis (84.91%), and
✅ Santa Ana (82.51%).
The assessment covered organizational sustainability, child-focused policies and plans, budget allocation and utilization, and service delivery monitoring and management. LGUs scoring 80 to 100 percent qualify for the Ideal Level of Functionality.
Meanwhile, the provincial government highlighted its programs in healthcare, nutrition, education, and social protection during the State of the Children Address.
These included more than ₱1.91 million in medical assistance for 88 children undergoing chemotherapy and 23 undergoing liver transplantation, fortified milk distribution to 140 children with pulmonary tuberculosis, and dental health services for schoolchildren.
The province also reported a 43.8-percent fully immunized child rate under the National Immunization Program and continued nutritional interventions through Operation Timbang Plus, including the distribution of peanut butter paste sachets and other dietary support.
In education, 30,081 learners completed their respective programs or advanced to the next level under the Early Childhood Care and Development Program. The Supplemental Feeding Program also continued to benefit thousands of young learners.
Children with disabilities were likewise included in special activities such as camping, Angel’s Walk, and educational tours in partnership with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office and non-government organizations.
The provincial government underscored the importance of sustained cooperation among LGUs, families, schools, civil society groups, and national agencies in creating safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities for children.
The celebration carried the theme, “Manindigan! Tumugon at Kumalinga: Sa Batang Handa, Mas Ligtas ang Bansa!”
