April 24, 2023 | The significance of child-centric governance cannot be overstated when it comes to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children. Keeping this objective in view, the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (RIMTF) convened a virtual assembly to carry out the conclusive verification of the 2022 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA). The fundamental objective of the exercise was to determine the degree of compliance of the Local Government Units (LGUs) with the CFLGA assessment indicators, with the ultimate aim of identifying the LGU that demonstrated exceptional performance in promoting child-friendly local governance.

To achieve the objective, the validation process entailed a thorough examination of the proofs presented by the LGUs. These MOVs were scrutinized with a keen eye, contrasting them against the assessment criteria to ascertain their accuracy, dependability, and legitimacy. Initially submitted by the LGUs to demonstrate their adherence to the assessment criteria, the MOVs were meticulously evaluated by RIMTF members, who meticulously assessed them based on CFLGA standards. This ensured that the MOVs faithfully reflected the true state of child-friendly local governance prevalent in the respective LGUs.

After completing the thorough review, the RIMTF members presented the LGUs with extensive feedback, highlighting any disparities or inaccuracies that may have emerged during the assessment. The feedback was designed to aid the LGUs in identifying areas for enhancement and strengthening their adherence to the CFLGA indicators moving forward.

The CFLGA serves as a crucial assessment instrument that gauges the extent to which LGUs are catering to the needs of children in their communities, offering child-friendly services that prioritize their well-being. The audit’s evaluation criteria comprise ten distinct child-friendly indicators, encompassing domains such as health, education, child protection, and participation. The CFLGA audit also upholds the principles of transparency and accountability, holding LGUs accountable for providing child-friendly services within their areas of responsibility.

The DILG IX as Chairperson of the RIMTF has played a pivotal role in advocating for child-friendly local governance throughout the region. The validation process was the culmination of months of meticulous planning and cooperation between the RIMTF and the LGUs. The successful execution of the validation serves as another remarkable achievement in the ongoing quest to attain child-friendly local governance.

The 2022 CFLGA Final Validation conducted by the RIMTF was a resounding success, with the LGUs receiving invaluable feedback that will act as a compass for their future compliance with the CFLGA indicators. The audit has shed light on the urgent need for sustained efforts to enhance child-friendly local governance in the region, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach between the RIMTF and the LGUs in achieving this goal.