THE Sangguniang Panlungsod hea passed two complementary resolutions commending and congratulating the Dagupan City Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), chaired by Mayor Belen Fernandez, for achieving an “ideal” functionality rating during the 2025 LCPC Functionality Assessment for Performance Year 2024 conducted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 1. The second resolution expressed profound appreciation to the city department heads who helped make the recognition possible.

The first resolution (No. R-185), sponsored by Councilor Michael Fernandez, states that the recognition reflects the strong commitment of the City Government of Dagupan to promote and uphold the rights, protection, participation, and welfare of every child through the effective implementation of child-focused programs, strengthened coordination with stakeholders, and continuous advocacy for child-friendly governance.

The Dagupan LCPC, through the dedicated efforts of its officials and members, has consistently demonstrated excellence and dedication in fulfilling its mandate under the Local Government Code of 1991 and Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, as well as other child welfare laws, the resolution stated.

The resolution further noted that Dagupan has long embedded in its governance philosophy the belief that “Family is the Heart of Progress,” and through this principle, the city continues to advance inclusive programs for education, health, livelihood, and the overall well-being of every young Dagupeño.

The second resolution (No. R-186), authored by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo, commended and expressed profound appreciation to the members of the Dagupan LCPC for their outstanding performance, dedication, and collective contribution, which led to the achievement of the ideal functionality rating.

Tamayo said the regional recognition accorded to the Dagupan LCPC enables Dagupan to once again aspire for the coveted award as the Most Child-Friendly City among independent component cities in the country.

Among the department heads cited by Tamayo for contributing largely to the LCPC’s ideal functionality rating were those of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Population Office, City Nutrition Office, and the Dagupan City Teen Center. (Leonardo Micua)