CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2025-601 (Sponsored by: Honorable Sam Tyra F. Co) "AN ORDINANCE MANDATING THE PROVISION OF EMERGENCY RELIEF AND PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER DISASTERS AND OTHER EMERGENCY SITUATIONS" WHEREAS, children are among the most vulnerable population during emergencies and disasters, requiring special attention and support to ensure their safety, well-being, and protection; WHEREAS, guided by the principles on survival and development, on child participation, and consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and minimum standards for children in humanitarian action, the state shall establish and implement a comprehensive and strategic program of action to provide the children and pregnant lactating mothers affected by disasters and other emergency situations with utmost support and assistance necessary for their immediate recovery and protection against all forms of violence, cruelty, discrimination, neglect, abuse, exploitation and other acts prejudicial to their interest, survival, development and well-being; WHEREAS, the Philippine Constitution guarantees the protection of children's rights, including their rights to survival, development, and protection in times of emergencies and disasters; WHEREAS, it is the duty of the City Government of Pagadian City to promote the general welfare of the people, defend the rights of children to assistance and establish mechanisms and programs that specifically address the needs of children during emergencies and provide them with effective relief and protection; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (14th City Council) of Pagadian City, in regular session assembled, that: SECTION 1. Title. - This ordinance shall be known as the "Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Ordinance of Pagadian City." SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Ordinance, the following terms shall be defined as follows: Children - refers to any persons below eighteen (18) years of age or those over eighteen years but are unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical or mental disability or condition as defined in RA 7610 or the Special Protection for Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; Child with Special Needs - refers to a child with a developmental or physical disability as defined in RA 10165 or the Foster Care Act of 2012; Child-Friendly Spaces - refer to spaces where communities create nurturing environments for children to engage in free and structured play, recreation, leisure and learning activities; d. Emergency - includes, but is not limited to, natural disasters, calamities, armed conflicts, and any other situation that poses a threat to the well-being of children; e. Relief - pertains to the provision of immediate and essential assistance to children affected by emergencies; f. Protection - refers to safeguarding children from harm, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination during emergencies. SECTION 3. Establishment of Local Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children. - The City Government of Pagadian City shall establish and formulate a the Local Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (LCEPC), hereinafter referred to as the Program aimed at ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of children during emergencies. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and child-focused Civil Society Organization (CSOs) shall jointly develop the Program and integrate the same in the Local Government Units (LGU's) Comprehensive Development Plan, Contingency plan, and Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (LDRRM) Plan and LDRRM Fund as provided for under Section 2 (b), Rule VI of the IRR of RA 10821 otherwise known as the Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act of 2016. The program shall be implemented immediately after the declaration of state of calamity or occurrence of any other emergency situation. The program shall include the following components: a. Preparing and implementing emergency response plans that specifically address the needs of children. b. Establishing child-friendly spaces in evacuation centers and temporary shelters. c. Providing psychosocial support and counseling services to children affected by emergencies. d. Conducting training and capacity-building activities for government personnel, volunteers, and stakeholders on child protection in emergencies. e. Collaborating with relevant agencies, organizations, and communities to enhance the effectiveness of emergency response efforts for children. Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities. a. The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) shall lead the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Local CEPC, in coordination with the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) and City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO). b. All government agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in emergency response activities shall prioritize the protection and welfare of children in their programs and services. Section 5. Data Gathering, Reporting and Monitoring. - The offices and agencies mandated by this Ordinance shall monitor and report the implementation of services and impact of the Program. The report shall include a specific section on pregnant women and children under five (5) years of age as strategy to address the post-disaster nutrition needs of children under age five (5) and pregnant women. Within five (5) days from the incident or calamity or as soon as practicable, the CSWDO, CPDO and CDRRMO shall jointly submit written documentation and report on their surveillance and monitoring activities. Section 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Ordinance shall be charged against the LDRRM Fund of the City Government and from other sources. Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Ordinance, the CSWDO, CPDO, CDRRMO and a child-focused CSOs shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Ordinance. Section 8. Interpretation Clause. - The provisions of this Ordinance and its implementing rules and regulations shall be liberally construed in favor of the best interests of the child. Section 9. Penalties. - Any person or entity found violating the provisions of this Ordinance shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by existing laws and regulations. Section 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. Section 11. Repealing Clause. - All ordinances, executive orders, local issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with any provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. Section 12. Effectivity. - This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after posting in at least two (2) conspicuous places of the city. ENACTED AND APPROVED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (14th City Council) during its 106th Regular Session held on 12 February 2025 at the SP Session Hall, 4th Floor City Commercial Center Building, Santiago District, Pagadian City. BALDOMERO FERNANDEZ City Vice Mayor/Presiding Officer Verified: MONIQUE SHAIRA Y. TO SP Member/Floor Leader Attested: ELKID P. NACUA Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod Approved: SAMUEL S. CO City Mayor Date:_________________