CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (November 22, 2025) — Fifty-three local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao received the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance for 2023 on Nov. 14, during the 33rd National Children’s Month celebration here

The awards were conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10, as chair of the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force, to recognize LGUs for their performance in implementing programs and policies promoting children’s rights.

DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Rhona Pedraza-Abadilla, delivering the message on behalf of Regional Director Bruce A. Colao, emphasized the accountability of local leaders to ensure that every Filipino child grows in a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment.

Misamis Occidental was among the top provinces with 12 LGUs receiving the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance.

“We have been recognized in Region 10 for the 2023 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit, earning an impressive 94.50% rating,” said Mayor Pinky Gutierrez of Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental.

“This award reflects our strong commitment to building a community where every child thrives,” she added.

The event was part of the region’s 33rd National Children’s Month celebration, which carried the theme “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban.” The recognition highlights LGUs’ efforts to uphold children’s rights, strengthen protective mechanisms, and build child-friendly and child-safe communities.

The 2023 SCFLG conferees include Malaybalay City, Valencia City, Dangcagan, Don Carlos, Impasug-ong, Kadingilan, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Maramag, San Fernando, and Quezon in Bukidnon; Catarman, Mahinog, Mambajao, and Sagay in Camiguin; Bacolod, Balo-i, Baroy, Kapatagan, Matungao, Nunungan, Sapad, and Tubod in Lanao del Norte; Aloran, Baliangao, Bonifacio, Calamba, Concepcion, Clarin, Don Victoriano, Jimenez, Lopez Jaena, Plaridel, Sapang Dalaga, and Sinacaban in Misamis Occidental; El Salvador City, Gingoog City, Alubijid, Balingoan, Binuangan, Claveria, Laguindingan, Lugait, Medina, Naawan, Opol, Salay, Sugbongcogon, Tagoloan, Talisayan, Villanueva, and Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental.

The ceremony included a presentation from child representatives and a pledge of commitment by participants to sustain the promotion of child-centered governance across all LGUs. (Jasper Marie O. Rucat/PIA-10/DILG10)