Bacolod shortlisted for 2026 child-friendly city award

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod has been shortlisted as a national finalist for the 2026 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities under the Highly Urbanized Cities category.

The Council for the Welfare of Children named four highly urbanized cities for national validation: Bacolod City, Olongapo City, Puerto Princesa City, and Quezon City.

The recognition places attention on how local policies, budgets, and community services translate into stronger protection, education, safety, and welfare programs for children.

Mayor Greg Gasataya announced Bacolod’s selection during the quarterly meeting of the City Peace and Order Council, where he called for stronger, more responsive, and child-focused programs.

The city government said the recognition underscores its continuing push for child-centered governance.

Department of Social Services and Development Head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said the milestone reflects collaboration between the local government and its partners in promoting and protecting children’s best interests.

“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.

The award recognizes local government units that actively promote children’s rights and maintain systems supporting child-friendly governance.

Bacolod cited effective policy planning and high budget utilization for children’s programs among the factors supporting its bid for the national recognition.

The city also pointed to its network of child protection centers and shelters as part of its efforts to provide services for vulnerable children.

Barangay reading corners and daycare facilities are also among the community-based services highlighted by the city.

Bacolod has likewise strengthened mechanisms intended to respond to abuse and other threats affecting children.

Gasataya previously issued Executive Order No. 044 establishing the Support and Action for Families in Emergency, or SAFE, Hotline.

The order established a mechanism for reporting abuse and welfare concerns, including threats involving children, as part of the city’s protection measures.

The city government said the hotline is also intended to help counter and prevent online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Bacolod’s advancement to the national validation stage gives the city an opportunity to demonstrate how its policies, spending, facilities, and protection mechanisms are being translated into services that safeguard children’s rights, safety, and well-being.