President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, on Monday recognized the critical role of local governments in advancing children’s welfare during the 2025 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC).

Representing the President, Secretary Remulla led the conferment of the Award to five child-friendly LGUs that demonstrated strong performance as duty bearers of children and youth through responsive local programs and policies. The awardees were selected from among the 1,091 LGUs nationwide that passed this year’s Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit.

“We recognize these LGUs that have embraced a comprehensive approach to child and youth welfare by implementing outstanding programs that champion the rights and needs of every Filipino child,” Remulla said.

Institutionalized under Executive Order No. 184, series of 1999, the PACFMC recognizes LGUs with effective mechanisms in addressing children’s needs and concerns, anchored on the Seal of Child Friendly Local Governance of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC).

Remulla called on the awardees to sustain their efforts in building child-responsive communities. “Continue fostering communities that are safe, inclusive, and participatory. Preserve the spaces where children can grow with dignity and hope,” he said.

This year’s awardees include Quezon City for the Highly Urbanized City category; Naga City for the Independent Component City category; Tagaytay City for the Component City category; Cabagan, Isabela for the First to Third Class Municipality category; and Santo Tomas, La Union for the Fourth to Sixth Class Municipality category.

Also present during the ceremony were Assistant Secretary Zabedin Asiz of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, and members of the National Awards Committee.