2025 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR CHILD-FRIENDLY CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES

THE Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed a resolution commending the City Government of Dagupan, led by Mayor Belen Fernandez, for being named a national finalist in the 2025 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Cities and Municipalities.

During the SP session on December 23, Councilor and Majority Leader Michael Fernandez introduced Resolution No. R-235, highlighting Dagupan’s recognition at the national awarding event held on December 22, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center.

This accolade signifies a key achievement in Dagupan City’s ongoing commitment to fostering child-centered governance.

At the event, Mayor Belen Fernandez received a plaque of recognition from Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian. She was accompanied by fellow officials including Vice Mayor Bryan Kua, Councilor Tala Paras, City Local Government Operations Officer Royolita Rosario, and barangay leaders Julie Perez, Jun Claveria, Nancy Morris, along with OIC City Social Welfare and Development Officer Irene Ferrer.

The resolution emphasized that under Mayor Fernandez’s leadership, Dagupan has diligently prioritized policies and programs that safeguard the safety, development, and future of its children, in close collaboration with national government agencies, barangays, and local stakeholders.

This national recognition affirms the city’s persistent adherence to child-friendly governance standards and reflects the collective commitment of city officials, departments, and partners to ensure children’s needs remain paramount in decision-making, as stated in the resolution.

The resolution concludes that this achievement brings honor and pride not only to the City Government but to all Dagupenos, meriting formal acknowledgment from the Sanggunian. (Leonardo Micua)