You have created an environment where we can achieve full realization of our vision for the Filipino children.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday advocated for a “safe, empowering, and child-friendly environment” in the country, in a bid to ensure that Filipino youth will continue enjoying their rights.

Duterte made the statement when he presented the 2018 presidential awards for child-friendly municipalities and cities at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.

“Through your continuing partnership and collaboration with our local government units, you have created an environment where we can achieve full realization of our vision for the Filipino children,” the President said in his speech.

“I hope that (this) gathering will encourage all stakeholders to further strengthen our ties and build new alliances as we work together in creating a safe, empowering, and child-friendly environment where children can fully enjoy their rights,” he added.

Cagayan de Oro City bagged the presidential award for child-friendly highly-urbanized city, while Naga City won the presidential award for child-friendly independent component city.

Duterte also conferred the presidential award for child-friendly component city on Tagaytay City, Cavite; presidential award for child-friendly first to third class municipality on Carmona, Cavite; and presidential award for fourth to sixth class municipality on Santo Tomas, La Union.

He hailed the awardees for their hard work, dedication, and strong commitment in promoting and protecting the rights of Filipino children in their localities.

He also lauded the Council for the Welfare of Children and its partners in facilitating the conferment of awards on child-friendly municipalities and cities since 1999.

“Our cooperation is indeed key (in) our goal to help (the youth) to grow to their fullest potential and become productive and responsible citizens,” he said.

The President was hopeful that the recognition of child-friendly municipalities would inspire everyone to build a legacy of a “strong and progressive Philippines for the generations to come.”

“We, as adults, must therefore understand the important role that we play in promoting their well-being and ensuring their success as the next generation of leaders and future bearers of our nation’s patrimony,” Duterte said.

He promised that his administration will continue pursuing its fight against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, terrorism, and environmental degradation.

“We will continue to persevere in this aspiration because we are committed in fostering a better and brighter future for the Filipino children,” he said.