By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MARIKINA CITY — Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro signed on Saturday (Nov. 30) a measure adopting the 2024 Children’s Code of Marikina City during the culmination of the 32nd National Children’s Month.
Mayor Marcy signed Ordinance No. 74, Series of 2024, otherwise known as “The 2024 Children’s Code of Marikina City”, which was introduced by Councilor Marife Dayao, Committee Chairman on Women’s and Family Affairs
“The City of Marikina stands with the State as “Parens Patriae or “Parents of the Nation” and as much recognizes the honored duty to update and enhance its local laws to align with the national and international standards, policies and frameworks to better serve the best interests of children within its jurisdiction,” the ordinance said.
In his speech during the program, the mayor said the annual event is a celebration of the unique rights of children.
“This is also a time for the entire community, especially the government, to remember and give due importance to our responsibility towards them,” Mayor Teodoro said.
According to the ordinance, the Local Code on Children in the City of Marikina enacted in 2000 has significantly contributed to the protection and welfare of children in the city.
However, it noted it must be updated to address emerging issues, challenges, and evolving needs of children in the current context.
“There is a need to adopt a new Children’s Code for 2024 that reflects contemporary standards, responds to recent developments, and reinforces the City’s commitment to the holistic growth, protection, and empowerment of children,” it ssid.
The ordinance provides that the local government is committed to adhering to the following core principles in all its endeavors for the children in the city:
Right to Life, Survival, and Development. – Every child has the inherent right to life, survival, and development that includes the physical, mental, emotional, social, and cultural aspects of the child’s well-being.
Best Interests of the Child. – All decisions and actions concerning children made by governments through their courts of law, administrative authorities, legislative bodies, and both public and private social organizations must be done with the best interests of the child as paramount consideration;
Non-Discrimination. – Government shall ensure that all children are able to enjoy their rights irrespective of their or their parent’s or legal guardian’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE), language, religion, political or other opinion, nationality, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or other status;
Respect for the Views of the Child. – Children have the right to be heard and participate in all matters that affect them. The child’s views shall be given due weight and consideration.
Mayor Marcy said the city’s celebration of the 32nd National Children’s Month was a child-led activity led by 16 barangay child representatives.
“They were selected from the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) Child Representative Election on October 5, 2024, which was attended by Barangay for the Protection of Children (BCPC) representatives.
He shared that Marikina’s LCPC earned an adjectival rating of IDEAL with an average of 98.80% according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Marikina.
“This is a remarkable change from our 87.2% last year,” he said.
“Likewise, our Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) also earned an adjectival rating of IDEAL with an average of 97% in the Functionality Assessment of Performance Year 2023. Because of this, we earned awards from the DILG-NCR at the 2024 Urban Governance Awards Exemplar this October 28,” he aded.
Mayor Marcy urged everyone to continue safeguarding the rights of our children.
“Let us create a Marikina and a Philippines that is not only safe, but is a home that nurtures, values, and listens to our youth,” he said.
“Dahil ang pagmamahal, gabay, at alagang ibinibigay natin sa kanila ngayon ang huhubog hindi lamang sa kanila, kundi maging sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan. So together, let us build a world where every child can dream, grow, and thrive,” he added.
The mayor hoped the activities prepared in celebration of this year’s National Children’s Month have empowered the children of Marikina.
National Children’s Month is celebrated in November in the Philippines every year. This month-long celebration aims to give Filipino children access to a healthy environment, good education, and health care.
“I hope that this past month has empowered all of you. And from today onwards, may you, in your own capacities, empower other children as well,” he said.
“Dahil ang inyong kanya-kanya at pinagsama-samang boses ay ang buhay ng ating komunidad—ito ang tinig ng pag-asa at pagbabago. May karapatan kayong mapakinggan, may lakas kayong magpahayag, at may kapangyarihan kayong baguhin ang hinaharap,” he added.
