(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal council of Paranas, Samar has started deliberating on a set of proposed ordinances that seek to enhance child protection, promote healthier lifestyles among the youth, and strengthen public safety across the town.
The discussions were led by Vice Mayor Eunice Babalcon together with members of the Sangguniang Bayan, with support from invited resource speakers from various municipal offices.
Among the measures taken up was proposed Ordinance No. 111 or the proposed Children’s Code of Paranas, which is now on second reading. The measure aims to institutionalize local policies and programs that uphold and protect the rights and welfare of children in the municipality.
Social workers from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), headed by Jennifer Lucido, served as resource speakers during the session. They outlined the fundamental rights of children, the shared responsibilities of parents, communities, and government institutions, and the mechanisms proposed to ensure children’s safety, development, and overall well-being.
The proposed children’s code includes provisions to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence, while strengthening community-based systems for prevention, reporting, and intervention. It also seeks to promote a child-friendly environment that supports children’s rights to survival, protection, development, and participation.
The council also discussed measures focusing on child health and public safety. Draft Ordinance No. 104 proposes limiting children’s access to junk food and unhealthy beverages while promoting proper nutrition at an early age.
Resource persons from the Municipal Health Office, the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, and the Municipal Nutrition Action Office warned of the growing health risks linked to poor dietary habits among children, including kidney and liver diseases. They underscored the need for sustained nutrition advocacy, information campaigns, and active participation from parents and the community.
Another measure, draft Ordinance No. 101, seeks to update the municipality’s rabies management framework by repealing the existing Dog Rabies Eradication Ordinance and strengthening rabies prevention and control efforts in Paranas.
Vice Mayor Babalcon said the proposed ordinances reflect the council’s commitment to safeguarding children’s welfare and called on barangays, parents, and other sectors to support initiatives aimed at building a healthier and safer Paranas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
