DAVAO CITY — The provincial government of Davao del Norte reaffirmed its commitment to the rights and well-being of chThe province also bolstered services for adolescents. The DavNor Teen Tambayan Hub provided health and psychosocial services to 2,571 teens this yearildren, emphasizing their survival, development, protection, and participation during the culmination of the National Children’s Month celebration on November 27, 2024.
Governor Edwin Jubahib, in his Local State of the Province Address (LSCA), highlighted the province’s significant strides in enhancing child-focused policies and programs. “We ensure the well-being, development, and protection of our kids… We continue to strengthen policies and programs that build their capacity to face the challenges of tomorrow,” he said.
The celebration, held in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), treated children to a day of joy with games, giveaways, meals, and a surprise visit from a popular fast-food mascot, creating a festive and inclusive environment.
Governor Jubahib showcased accomplishments in healthcare, nutrition, and protection of children’s rights, including:
- Healthcare Achievements:
- Infant mortality reduced from 12.37% in 2022 to 8.7% per 1,000 live births in 2023.
- Maternal deaths decreased from 59.24% per 100,000 live births in 2022 to 46.92% in 2023.
- Malnutrition rate lowered to 2.55%.
- Zero-Billing Program: Provided critical medical interventions to underprivileged children and their families, ensuring access to life-saving healthcare.
The province expanded services for vulnerable and at-risk children:
- Women Development Center (WDC): Delivered psychosocial support and legal assistance to 18 abused children and women this year.
- Bahay Pag-asa Center: Assisted 37 children in conflict with the law (CICLs) last year.
- Balay Panaghiusa: Sheltered children affected by armed conflict, including 15 Indigenous children rescued in 2021.
Davao del Norte leads the Davao Region as the first province to establish the Provincial Council Against Child Labor (PCACL). Key achievements include:
- Rescue operations saving three minors, including two Indigenous girls forced to work in Marawi City.
- Prosecution of perpetrators involved in trafficking and exploitation.
- Recognition of the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (PICAT-VAWC) with top functionality ratings of 105% and 109% in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
