Bacolod City has been shortlisted as a national finalist for the 2026 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACMC) under the Highly Urbanized Cities category.
According to the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), four local government units (LGUs) under the Highly Urbanized Cities category have advanced as national finalists and will undergo validation: Bacolod City, Olongapo City, Puerto Princesa City, and Quezon City.
Mayor Greg Gasataya announced the recognition during the quarterly meeting of the City Peace and Order Council, where he called for strengthened, responsive, and child-focused programs, underscoring the city government’s commitment to child-centered governance.
Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) Head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said the milestone is a testament to the strong collaboration between the local government and its partners in promoting and protecting the best interests of children.
“A child-friendly city is one that builds a better future by putting every child’s rights, safety, and well-being at the heart of governance, and this calls for a multi-disciplinary team and whole-of-the-nation approach,” Mangga added.
The Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities reflects the Philippine government’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). It recognizes local government units that actively promote children’s rights and uphold child-friendly governance.
Effective policy planning, high budget utilization for children’s programs, and a strong network of child protection centers, shelters, barangay reading corners and daycare facilities position the city well for the national honor.
Amplifying these efforts, Mayor Gasataya previously issued Executive Order No. 044 to establish the Support and Action for Families in Emergency (SAFE) Hotline, designed to counter and prevent online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to safeguarding Bacolod’s youth.(BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)
