Our Philippine National hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal once said, “Ang Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan.

Indeed, children are the torchbearers of tomorrow, the architects of the future, and the backbone of
any society.

It is in their tiny hands that the destiny of a city, a nation, and the world ultimately rests.

In Dapitan, this belief is more than just a philosophy, it's a commitment.

Dapitan is a home not only to some of the country’s richest historical sites, but also a community
fervently committed to nurturing its youngest citizens.

Here in Dapitan, our children are our future – the architects of the Smart Heritage City we envision. They
are the embodiment of the city's aspirations for a sustainable, innovative, and resilient future, infused
with the rich Filipino values and the teachings of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Indeed, the children are the future of our nation, and it is our duty to protect their rights and ensure
their well-being. The administration of Mayor Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos is committed to providing
Dapitan's children with the necessary support and protection so that they can thrive and reach their full
potential.

The City Council for the Protection of Children stands as a beacon of hope and a strong advocate for the
Dapitan’s children. This well-established council holds regular meetings to strategize and implement
effective measures to safeguard and empower children.

Through its unwavering commitment to advocacy, social mobilization, situation analysis, program
development, and the modelling of innovative approaches, the CCPC plays a pivotal role in shaping a
brighter future for Dapitan's next generation.

Dapitan City's commitment to the welfare of its children is evident in its adoption of Philippine laws on
children.

One of the major accomplishments of the Legislative Department is the passage of City Ordinance No.
2022-09-001, “An Ordinance Prohibiting Mendicancy in the City of Dapitan”. Dapitan is the only City in
Zamboanga Peninsula that adopted Presidential Decree No. 156.

This ordinance is a significant step towards protecting children from exploitation and ensuring their well-
being.
Begging is a form of child exploitation that can have detrimental effects on children's physical,
emotional, and social development. It can expose them to risks such as physical and sexual abuse,
neglect, and malnutrition. It can also lead to social isolation and stigma, hindering their ability to form
healthy relationships and participate in society.

By prohibiting mendicancy, Dapitan is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate the exploitation of
its children. This ordinance will help to create a safer and more supportive environment for children to
grow and thrive.

Dapitan City upholds the civil rights and freedoms of its children. This is evident in its recent initiatives,
such as the Free Mobile Registration and the Children's General Assembly organized by the City Council
for the Protection of Children (CCPC).

The Free Mobile Registration initiative of the Civil Registrar's Office exemplifies the city's dedication to
ensuring that every child has access to their fundamental right to a legal identity. By reaching out to
children in far-flung areas, the Civil Registrar's Office has made significant steps in ensuring that all
Dapitanons, regardless of their location, can exercise their civil rights.

The Children's General Assembly, organized by the CCPC, further demonstrates the City's commitment
to empower its young citizens. This event provided children with a platform to express their views and
concerns, fostering a sense of civic engagement and active participation in shaping their community's
future. Through the assembly, children were able to choose the Child Representatives to the CCPC.

Dapitan City is committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment for families, ensuring that
children have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. The city's "Kasalang Bayan"
initiative, which provides free Catholic weddings to eligible residents, is a testament to its dedication to
strengthening families and protecting the rights of children.

By facilitating the legalization of marriages, the "Kasalang Bayan" program helps to address the
challenges faced by cohabiting couples. This initiative promotes stable family structures and ensures
that children have the legal and social protections associated with being born into a married household.

In addition to this initiative, Dapitan City's Social Welfare and Development Office (SWDO) implements
the Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities (ERPAT) program. This comprehensive
program aims to empower fathers to fulfill their roles and responsibilities effectively, contributing to
positive child development and family well-being. By providing education, skills training, and counseling
services, the ERPAT program promotes responsible fatherhood and highlights the importance of fathers
in shaping their children's lives.
The ERPAT program also incorporates an anti-drug abuse campaign to promote healthy lifestyles among
fathers. This is crucial in ensuring that they are able to provide a safe and nurturing environment for
their children. Additionally, the program extends its reach to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) fathers,
providing them with the opportunity to reconnect with their families and prepare for their reintegration
into society upon their release.

The City Government of Dapitan is proud to have received 3rd place in the "Maka-Pamilyang LGU"
program for the Family Welfare Program of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte. This recognition is a
testament to the city's unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive and responsive support
services to families and children.

The City Government of Dapitan, under the strong leadership of Mayor Bullet Jalosjos, has made
significant strides in securing land titles for its residents through the "Handog Titulo" program. This
collaborative effort, involving the Zamboanga City Government under the administration of Governor
Rosalina G. Jalosjos, the Land Registration Authority (LRA), and the Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Office (PENRO), has resulted in the issuance of land titles to 89 individuals and families.

This initiative has not only provided these individuals with the security of a permanent home but has
also ensured the protection of their children. By securing land titles, the city is ensuring that families
have a stable and secure foundation upon which to build their future. This, in turn, contributes to the
overall well-being of children and creates a more equitable and inclusive community for all.

Dapitan City is a model in terms of providing basic health services and welfare for children. The City
Health Office has a high rate of efficacy in the implementation of its programs on Safe Motherhood,
National Immunization, Family Planning, National Tuberculosis Control, and Environmental Sanitation
Services, among others. As a result of these efforts, Dapitan City has been recognized for its health
programs by the Department of Health (DOH).

The City Nutrition Council (CNC) of Dapitan City has garnered widespread recognition for its outstanding
implementation of nutrition programs, earning the Green Seal of Compliance award from the National
Nutrition Council (NNC) for two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. This remarkable achievement is a
testament to the city's unwavering commitment to promoting child nutrition and ensuring the well-
being of its youngest citizens.

The CNC's success can be attributed to its comprehensive and well-coordinated approach to nutrition
programming. One of its flagship initiatives, the Tutok Kainan – Dietary Supplementation Program (TK-
DSP) Phase 3, provides nutritional support to undernourished children, ensuring that they receive the
essential nutrients they need for growth and development.

The CNC also plays a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of Republic Act No. 8976, the
Philippine Fortified Food Program. By ensuring that fortified foods are readily available and accessible to
the community, the CNC contributes to the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies.
In addition to these programs, the CNC conducts regular supplementary feeding for 6-23 months old and
pre-school children, providing them with the necessary energy and nutrients to support their
development. The implementation of the "Gulayan sa Barangay" and "Gulayan sa Paaralan" programs
further promotes healthy eating habits by encouraging the cultivation of home and school gardens,
providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

The City Government of Dapitan, through its HAlina’t magtanim ng Prutas At Gulay sa Barangay Project |
Kadiwa Ay Yaman | Plants for Bountiful Barangays Movement (HAPAG KAY PBBM), is empowering
children to become active participants in food production. By teaching children the fundamentals of
planting and cultivating their own food, the program is not only promoting healthy eating habits but also
fostering a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness.

Dapitan City is committed to providing its children with holistic development through a range of
educational, leisure, and recreational programs.

The city's "Serbisyo Bilis para sa mga Bata" program has been instrumental in providing more than 500
children with enriching summer workshops on visual and performing arts and sports. These workshops
not only foster creativity and physical activity but also provide opportunities for self-expression,
teamwork, and personal growth.

In addition to these workshops, the City has established the Sports Clinic to identify and nurture the
athletic potential of young Dapitanons.

The city's pride in its children's achievements extends to the Palarong Pambansa, where Dapitanon
representatives have consistently showcased their talents and dedication.

Furthermore, Dapitan City has taken significant strides in promoting STEM education through its
Robotics Program. The provision of 73 robotics equipment to schools in the Dapitan City Schools
Division, along with the development of a robotics curriculum, is empowering students to explore the
exciting world of technology and prepare for the future of work.

The city's dedication to preserving Filipino culture and traditions is evident in its promotion of Larong
Pinoy. This initiative encourages children to engage in traditional Filipino games and activities, fostering
a sense of cultural identity and promoting an active lifestyle.
Dapitan City is a shining example of a city committed to providing high-quality Early Childhood Care and
Development (ECCD) programs for its youngest citizens. With all 50 barangays implementing
comprehensive ECCD programs, complete with accreditation, reading centers, and recreational facilities,
the city is ensuring that every child has a strong start in life.

Dapitan City is firmly committed to safeguarding its children, ensuring their safety and well-being even
in the face of disasters and emergencies. The city's unwavering dedication to child protection is evident
in its acceptance of the "Gawad KALASAG Seal for Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Councils and Offices," a testament to its comprehensive disaster preparedness measures that prioritize
the safety of its youngest citizens.

In addition to its disaster preparedness efforts, Dapitan City has also taken proactive steps to address
juvenile delinquency through the implementation of an updated Comprehensive Juvenile Intervention
Program (CNJIP). This program provides a holistic approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable youth,
offering guidance, support, and opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

The city's commitment to child protection extends to the barangay level, where it has actively supported
the crafting of Barangay Juvenile Intervention Plans (BJIPs). These plans ensure that child protection
measures are effectively implemented at the grassroots level, creating a protective network for children
across the city.

Dapitan through the City Police Station has implemented City Ordinance No. 2016-328, which declares a
curfew for minors from 10PM to 4AM to protect children from the dangers of the night, such as
exposure to violence, crime, and illegal drugs. This ordinance ensures that children are safe and secure
in their homes during these hours, allowing them to rest and grow without the risks associated with
being out late at night.

In conclusion, Dapitan City, as a cradle of the Filipino soul, continues to fan the flames of nationalism
and wisdom in every young heart, through a system anchored in the philosophy of the nation’s hero, Dr.
Jose Rizal. Through embodying and nurturing the values and ideals of Rizal—education, courage,
nationalism, empathy, and integrity, innovation, resilience—the city fosters a generation of
‘Makabagong Rizal’, primed not only to continue the proud legacy of the past but to spearhead
transformation towards a sustainable and dynamic future.

These youths, grounded in their heritage and molded in the spirit of Rizal, are the cornerstone to the
city's noble aspiration to evolve into a Smart Heritage City—a beacon of innovation threaded through
the tapestry of history.

Through the children of Dapitan, the wisdom of yesterday will find its voice in the technologies of today,
pushing the boundaries towards an enlightened tomorrow.