MANILA - Naga bested the cities of Makati and Bacolod to finally emerge as the country’s most child-friendly city during the awarding rites for the national Search for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities held yesterday morning (Feb. 7) at Malacañang Palace.

        Backed by a comprehensive program that promotes the so-called four basic children’s rights under a UN-led international convention, Naga took home the prestigious distinction, and a P350,000 cash prize, for the first time.

        Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado, Jr. led the city delegation that received a presidential citation and trophy from President Arroyo. He was joined by Jaime Reblando, city social welfare officer; Councilor Cecilia de Asis, chair of the Bantay Familia Foundation and the Naga city council for the welfare of children; Elsie Romano, coordinator of the city’s Educare program; and John Michael Rico of the Naga City Visitors Center.

        In a phone interview, Bordado said Naga was cited for its effort to provide its children with universal access to preschool under Educare, as well as basic education and alternative learning options to those who drop out of the formal school system through the Division of City Schools, with funding and operational support from the Naga City School Board.

        Its program also encompasses adequate nutrition and health services to children from infancy until they graduate from school, as well as maternal services to pregnant and lactating mothers.

        It also covers social welfare services to children who find themselves in difficult situations; and legal and protective services which the Bantay Familia group, with the help of the Children and Women’s Desk of the city PNP, is providing.

        The city’s Council for the Welfare of Children coordinates all these efforts under Councilor de Asis, backed up by Reblando’s social welfare department.