The Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA) is a performance-based assessment tool used by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). It aims to evaluate the commitment of Local Government Units (LGUs) in promoting child-friendly governance and ensuring that the rights of children are protected and fulfilled.

Key Objectives of CFLGA:

1. Promote Child Rights: Ensure that LGUs integrate programs and policies that protect and promote the rights of children, as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

2. Improve Local Governance for Children: Encourage LGUs to create an enabling environment that fosters children’s survival, development, protection, and participation.

3. Support Child-Friendly Policies: Evaluate the effectiveness of local policies, services, and programs aimed at improving the welfare of children within LGU jurisdictions.

Core Areas of Assessment:

The CFLGA assesses LGUs based on various child-rights-centered criteria, including:

1. Institutional Governance: How well the LGU integrates child-friendly policies in governance structures and processes.

2. Health and Nutrition: Evaluates the LGU’s performance in ensuring access to healthcare services and proper nutrition for children.

3. Education: Measures how the LGU supports programs aimed at increasing school participation rates and improving the quality of education.

4. Protection: Assesses the mechanisms in place to prevent abuse, exploitation, and discrimination against children.

5. Participation: Focuses on encouraging children to actively participate in local governance and decision-making processes.

6. Social Protection and Safety: Reviews the LGU’s efforts in providing safe spaces and environments for children, including child protection laws and programs.

Recognition and Impact:

• LGUs that meet the standards of the CFLGA are recognized as Child-Friendly LGUs and are eligible for the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance (SCFLG).

• The audit fosters a child-centered approach to local governance, ensuring that LGUs prioritize children’s welfare in their development plans and service delivery.

Importance of CFLGA:

• Advancing Child Welfare: CFLGA serves as a tool to improve the welfare of children through localized policies and initiatives.

• Government Accountability: It holds LGUs accountable for their role in ensuring the rights of children are upheld.

• Incentives and Support: Recognized LGUs may receive further support from national agencies for child-centered programs.

The CFLGA is a vital mechanism in promoting child-friendly practices at the local government level, ensuring that children’s rights and welfare remain a priority in public governance across the Philippines.