ANGELES CITY – Youth representatives from all of the city’s 33 barangays immersed in a one-day leadership and empowerment training on Nov. 21 as part of the city’s continued commitment to strengthening child rights, development, protection, and their civic participation.
Administered by the city social welfare and development office, the training titled “Login to Lead: Children Accessing the Empowerment Future – Access Granted: The Future Starts With You,” aimed to build the confidence and leadership skills of young representatives, particularly in fulfilling their responsibilities within the barangay council for the protection of children. Through this initiative, the LGU and CSWDO highlighted the value of empowering children not only to understand their rights but also to take an active role in ensuring safer, more inclusive communities.
In-depth discussions on child rights, child protection mechanisms, and the nationwide fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children were facilitated by resource speakers from the Council for the Welfare of Children, in partnership with the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children, helping the participants deepen their awareness of their role in promoting child-friendly and protective environments in their respective barangays.
The training also featured interactive workshops where participants identified issues in their communities, voiced concerns, and formulated youth-centered recommendations.
These exercises demonstrated that the insights and perspectives of children are vital in crafting programs that directly address their needs.
Thus, a truism at the city hall: “Sa Angeles City, binibigyan ng boses, tiwala, at pagkakataon ang mga batang handang makiisa, makialam, at mamuno tungo sa mas ligtas at maliwanag na kinabukasan.”
Held as part of the celebration of National Children’s Month themed “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Katapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, the training reinforced the message that children’s voices matter and deserve space in planning and decision-making processes.
This, under the mandate of RA 11930 (Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act).
Punto News Team/Angeles CIO
