MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Highlighting the earnest need to pour ample attention to the wellness of the vulnerable population, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the provincial government of Lanao del Sur have banded together to pursue programs aiming to put children's welfare on the frontline.

UNICEF Social Policy Specialist Lea Marasigan underscored that the organization has already been backing the government of the Philippines, specifically the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), in its primary goal of amplifying child-friendly local governance wherein leaders would be stirred to be responsive to the needs of children through realizing appropriate plans.

She noted that in their continuing program that benefited the province, they have pushed for interventions that intensify the capability of the provincial government to scale up technical assistance to its municipalities and monitor whether they maintain the title of being childsafe.

Marasigan stated this would be among their strategic priorities for 2024 to 2028. Hence, localities in the Bangsamoro region could anticipate five years of child-focused aid from UNICEF.

Part of the technical assistance extended by the international non-government organization was the recently spearheaded interception workshop on integrated planning for children, adolescents, and youth, use of data, and budgeting in post-conflict areas of the province.

“What we want to do is really capacitate the province, the provincial stakeholders, provincial government, and eventually, sustain it. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every municipality and city in Lanao del Sur becomes a child-friendly local government,” she said.

Marasigan explained that their program's enforcement would prioritize sectors like education, health, nutrition, child protection, and social policies across 39 municipalities and one city.

Here, she looked forward to a sturdy partnership with the provincial government, especially since they share a common goal.

“We greatly recognize the provincial government's commitment, specifically in providing targeted interventions and ensuring that the services reach the most vulnerable children in the province. We are here to support because, in the long run, we want the provincial government to have a local act and be ready to deliver and support children in realizing their rights,” said Marasigan.

The provincial government, on the other hand, expressed its firm commitment to keep collaborating with UNICEF.

Board Member Jamil Faisal Adiong stressed that while their expertise was limited, they were bound to broaden it with the help of other partners to achieve their crucial objective of establishing an environment conducive to the growth and development of children.

“Kami, sa probinsya ng Lanao del Sur, ay taus-pusong nagpapasalamat sa UNICEF dahil sa lahat ng suportang kanilang ibinibigay [We, in the province of Lanao del Sur, wholeheartedly thank UNICEF for all the support they gave], whether directly or indirectly, kasi we will never be able to move forward if we do not work collaboratively, and collaboration is indeed the key to success,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)