Victorias City inaugurated child development centers (CDCs) I and II in Villa Victorias, Barangay XIII Sept. 8.
The projects, implemented to address the growing need for early childhood learning facilities, were initiated during the term of then mayor and now Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Mayor Abelardo Bantug III and Vice Mayor Derek Palanca, together with councilors Deilen Hofileña, Dino Jose Maria Acuña, Hermie Millan, Vincent Marie Roa, Joji Larraga, Juvy Pepello, and Eric Alcobilla, along with barangay officials, department heads, child development workers, TMTC Construction, and other stakeholders.
Rev. Fr. Noli Blancaflor blessed the centers, the city said.
Bantug expressed gratitude to all partners and stakeholders, congratulated barangays XIII and XVII, and reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in Victorias.
He encouraged parents to actively support their children’s education, stressing the importance of quality over quantity.
“This is a clear reminder that our investment in education begins at the very start of a child’s life. By supporting our daycare workers, engaging our parents, and strengthening our facilities, we are building a brighter future for Victorias,” the mayor stressed.
Palanca also emphasized the importance of strengthening Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs, adding these new facilities will provide a more conducive environment for learning and growth.
The inauguration underscored the city’s continued investment in safe and secure learning spaces for children. “The establishment of the two centers reflects Victorias’ resolve to ensure brighter beginnings for its youngest learners while supporting families and the broader community.”
In line with its commitment to gender-responsive governance, the city government, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, facilitated a seminar on “Strengthening Child Protection and Gender Based Violence Response” at the City Aquatic Center recently.
The activity was attended by punong barangays, chairpersons of the Committee on Women, barangay secretaries, and VAWC desk officers from all 26 barangays of Victorias.
The seminar focused on enhancing the capacity of barangay officials and frontline service providers, and discussions included the importance of promoting gender equality, the protection of human rights, and the delivery of inclusive and gender-responsive local governance.
It also introduced the proper implementation of a functional referral pathway in handling gender-based violence cases, per Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, alongside other relevant child protection laws and policies.
Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga was the resource speaker, bringing her expertise in social work, gender advocacy, and community development to the sessions, the city said, adding the seminar, attended by mayor Bantug and councilors Larraga, Pepello, and Acuña underscored Victorias’ strong support to strengthen child protection and gender-based violence response at the barangay level. ||
