JORDAN, Guimaras-The head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here called on Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure the representation of children in their respective Local Development Councils.
DSWD regional director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre said, “Let me emphasize that with the Local Government Code, the LGUs are free to craft various programs and services for children. That to make our programs for children relevant, we should consult them and what better way to ensure that their opinions are heard than having them represented in the Local Development Council.”
Macapobre was guest during the culminating program for the Children’s Month celebration of Guimaras held at the Provincial Gymnasium. Aside from the activity, Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin also delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA).
“Why do we have to put ourselves under pressure crafting plans for children and at the end finding it not producing the expected outcomes? Let us put these children in the loop and this will make our lives and their lives much more pleasant,” she added.
Macapobre also challenged the children listening by saying, “To the children present, pursue your dreams. If we adults forget to bring you in and put you in the loop, remind us. You have the right to demand for your rights.”
She also lauded the provincial government for its endeavors in promoting the interests of children.

DSWD PROGRAMS
Macapobre also shared that the agency has been implementing programs for the welfare of children. One of these is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program which ensures that the children are sent to school and are kept healthy.
“We hope that with the investment in health and education, these children will be taken away from poverty which most likely has affected generations back,” she said.
She also said that the department has expanded the age of coverage from zero to 14 years of age to now 18 because “studies have revealed that these children would have better chances of landing a job if they finish at least high school.”
Also, Macapobre disclosed that the DSWD is implementing the Students Grants in Aid Program for Poverty Reduction (SGPPA), a scholarship program in the college level which now covers around 3,000 students in the region. Of the number, more than 20 are dean’s listers.

EXEMPLARY CHILDREN
During the program, the provincial government of also gave tribute to children who excelled in both academics and extra-curricular activities.
Given certificates of recognition and cash prizes were finalists in the provincial level in the Search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya children led by Terrence Talagon.
The awards were given by Macapobre, Gumarin, mayors Cresente Chavez of Jordan, Luben Vilches of Sibunag, Eugenio Reyes of Buenavista, and provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Shirley Gabutin./dswd6/May Rago-Castillo