‘The LGU’s best practices, ₱1M grants helped secure our 100% LCPC rating’ - Mayor Malannag on Balbalan’s perfect Child Protection score

Balbalan – The Municipal Local Government Unit of Balbalan credited its child-centered programs and best practices for achieving a perfect 100% rating in the 2026 Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) Functionality Assessment.

Behind the municipality’s “ideal functionality” rating are various initiatives aimed at protecting children’s rights and welfare while shielding them from violence, neglect, and exploitation.

Aside from complying with the major indicators set by the Department of the Interior and Local Government such as organization, meetings, policies, planning, budget allocation, and service delivery, Mayor Almar Malannag said Balbalan’s locally crafted programs significantly contributed to the municipality’s perfect score.

One of the town’s major initiatives is the Search for Child-Friendly Barangays, where barangays are assessed based on indicators involving children’s survival, development, protection, and participation. Through the program, the municipal government evaluates the functionality of Barangay Local Councils for the Protection of Children.

To encourage stronger child protection programs, the top-performing barangays receive project grants from the LGU. The champion barangay receives ₱1 million worth of projects, followed by ₱800,000 for second place, ₱700,000 for third place, ₱600,000 for fourth place, and ₱500,000 for fifth place.

Another key initiative is the “Anak ji iBalbalan” program, which provides educational assistance to orphaned children and children left under the care of grandparents or relatives.

The municipal government also extends educational assistance to out-of-school youth returning to school, persons with disabilities, and children of solo parents.

Other programs include continuous advocacy on children’s rights, peace and order initiatives to ensure safe learning environments, health and nutrition programs, and sustained support to Department of Education – Balbalan through incentives for winning athletes and assistance for children representing the municipality in competitions.

“Kanayon ko ibaga, dagiti u-ubbing tayo iti maysa nga prioridad tayo iti Balbalan ta isuda iti future, isuda iti mangituloy iti progreso nga nirugyan dagiti ancestors tayo. Isu nga iti administration tayo ket ik-ikkan na importansiya dagiti programa nga mang-benefit kadagiti a-annak tayo idiay Balbalan,” Mayor Malannag said.

The mayor emphasized that children remain among the municipality’s top priorities, stressing that investing in their welfare and development is essential in sustaining the progress and future of Balbalan.