PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conferred on Monday the Galing Pook Award for 8th place to Valenzuela City and Mayor Weslie Gatchalian whose leadership was recognized for implementing programs, especially on child protection.
The Galing Pook Award Foundation, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, chose Valenzuela from among the 18 finalists for its program, Safe Spaces and Safeguarding Children: Strengthening LGU (Local Government Unit)-Led Community-Based Child Protection, during the awarding ceremony held at Samsung Hall, Taguig City, on October 24.
“This recognition our beloved city has received is dedicated to our very cooperative constituents as well as City Hall employees and barangay officials,” Gatchalian told The Manila Times via Viber.
The city government was awarded for its outstanding local governance program, which showcases positive outcomes, efficient program delivery, innovation, scalability, and active community engagement in protecting children, he said.
The Valenzuela City Child Protection Center (CPC) leads the city’s child protection initiatives.
Established in July 2017, the CPC is an LGU-led, community-based center staffed by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) comprising doctors, nurses, women and child protection specialists, social workers, psychometricians, and police investigators.
With a holistic approach, the CPC has provided support to around 6,000 children, including those at risk and those in conflict with the law.
Through the CPC’s integrated model, children only need to recount their experiences once, reducing trauma by avoiding multiple interviews.
Operating 24/7 under one roof, the MDT enhances access to justice and healing for these children, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
Gatchalian credited the success of the program to its strong partnerships with national government agencies, nongovernment organizations, schools, and the community.
“Protecting children today ensures a safer future for Valenzuela City,” he said.
In addition to the Galing Pook Award, Valenzuela received a special citation in Participatory Governance for demonstrating strong community involvement.
The city’s stakeholders continue to work collaboratively to create a safe haven for all children in Valenzuela, said the mayor who earlier filed a certificate of candidacy for the upcoming May 2025 midterm polls for reelection.
Celebrating 30 years, the Galing Pook Awards recognizes local government units with innovative programs that promote excellence in governance and transformative community impact.
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