Finally, Zamboanga To Have Its Own Child Welfare Code

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Zamboanga Journal / 22 Mar) Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco expressed optimism that the local Council would approve the proposed ordinance called the Child Welfare Code, a move that will help the city realize its vision as child-friendly.

Shje said the proposed ordinance will recognize and provide child’s rights to survival, development, protection, security and participation and the establishment of a comprehensive children and family support system in Zamboanga City.

It was on its 3rd and final reading on Wednesday.

Climaco drafted and presented the proposed law to the City Council, then as councilor in 2001, but was not acted upon, although it passed through several amendments and different public consultations.

"A copy of the City Council resolution stating the legislative body’s desire to enact a child welfare code and the proposed measure itself were submitted to the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) director Wilfrido Nuque," Climaco, an advocate of children’s welfare and protection, said.

"The proposal is a very important piece of legislation and if enacted, would complete the local government’s process of compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child," she told the Zamboanga Journal.