Jamindan named national child-friendly town finalist

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The municipality of Jamindan has been named a national finalist for the 2026 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC) under the first- to third-class municipality category.

The recognition is spearheaded by the Council for the Welfare of Children in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The PACFMC recognizes local government units that demonstrate strong performance in promoting children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation.

Mayor Donnah Valdemar said she was grateful for the recognition, which she said reflected how the Jamindan municipal government had responded to children’s needs and implemented programs for their welfare.

She added that the local government remains committed to continuing programs for young people and making Jamindan child-friendly, child-centered, and inclusive.

Valdemar is the wife of former Jamindan Mayor Mac Arthur Valdemar.

Jamindan is the only municipality in Western Visayas named a national finalist in the category, according to information provided by the local government.

The Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities was institutionalized under Executive Order No. 184, series of 1999, and recognizes local governments with effective programs and mechanisms addressing children’s needs and concerns.