Panabo City Mayor delivers State of the Children Address

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, December 2, 2015 - In celebration of the children’s month last Nov. 10, 2015, the City Government of Panabo in cooperation with the Council for the Protection of Children under the DSWD organized an event called State of the Children Address with a Theme: ”Komunidad at Pamahalaan, Magkaisa, Pang-aabuso sa Bata Wakasan na.”

The City Mayor of Panabo Engr. James G. Gamao delievered his State of the Children Address. He thanked the agencies and offices of the government and private sectors in giving importance to the children especially in Four (4) Primary Rights of the children which is the Survival, Development, Protection, and Participation. On Health and Survival Issues the City Health Office focused on mental care, child care, exclusive breastfeeding, immunization,and environmental sanitation.

In relation to Child Protection, the City Council for The Protection of Children formulated an action plan last 2014 which are City and Barangay Ordinances imposing curfew hours; conduct symposium on Drug Abuse Prevention, Rehabilitation and Treatment. The CSWDO headed by Jeanette Lamoste provides services for the elderly, women and children in cases of abuse. Special Social Service for the Youth offender program; Crisis Intervention for Women and Children; Psychological Recovery and Social Reintegration Program; VAWC desk per barangay; and the Temporary Shelter at Angel Baraquel Home for Boys.

He stressed, further that in the Development Agenda of the City, one of my priority is Education.” The Special Education Fund (SEF) was P46,895,896.52 for elementary and secondary schools in Panabo City in 2014. Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Day Care Service Program, Livelihood Program for Out of School Youth (OSY) called Practical Skills Development Program are implemented by the CSWDO.

Also, Children has a privilege to participate for their growth and development. He also added that this Youth Month Celebration is the best Activity that they should participate. In the afternoon activity, contests were held. The Winners for Drum and Lyre is Rizal Elementary School, for Dancercise is the Central Elementary School, for Cheerdance is the Panabo Christian School, and for Zumba is the North District Daycare Parents. The other schools that participated in the event were Cabili Elementary School, South District Daycare Center, San Vicente National High School, and Maryknoll College of Panabo, Inc.

In his address, Mayor Gamao mentioned that together with the 6th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Janrey “Biboy” Gavina it was strenghtened and given legislative support which bolstered  the city’s thrust of becoming a “Child Friendly City.” (Renel E. Balsabas/CIO Panabo)