ANGELES CITY — Angeles City is undergoing a five-day validation process led by the National Awards Committee (NAC) for the prestigious Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC). The city was named a National Finalist in the Highly Urbanized City Category, making it the only LGU in Region 3 to reach this elite level of recognition for its child-centered governance.
The validation is the final stage of the national search, where selected LGUs are thoroughly assessed based on their performance in advancing the rights and welfare of children. The evaluation team, composed of PACFMC stakeholders, will conduct on-site inspections, interviews with stakeholders, and a meticulous review of the city’s programs and reports.
Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II welcomed the evaluators and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to building a city that nurtures, protects, and empowers children. He emphasized the city’s long-standing efforts in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
Among the city’s child-focused initiatives are education access programs, nutrition and health campaigns, protection from abuse and exploitation, and avenues for youth participation in governance. These are all aligned with the four core rights of children: survival, development, protection, and participation.
DILG City Director Yvette Cosio praised Angeles City’s selection as a national finalist, describing it as a reflection of the city’s strong leadership, good governance practices, and collaborative approach among agencies, sectors, and communities. She noted that reaching this level already places Angeles City among the nation’s most child-friendly cities.
The city has institutionalized child-friendly practices through continuous investment in social services, infrastructure for child protection, and mechanisms that allow youth voices to be heard in policymaking. The current validation seeks to verify these efforts on the ground through a multi-sectoral lens.
If Angeles City secures the national title, it will further solidify its reputation as a model for inclusive and sustainable child development. Regardless of the outcome, the validation underscores the city’s ongoing dedication to child rights and its role in shaping a future where young Angeleños grow up safe, supported, and empowered.
