State of the Childrens Report of Kalibo

Ladies and Gentlemen, a pleasant afternoon. I stand before you today with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility as we gather to celebrate National Children’s Month and present the State of Children’s Report for the year 2024 in our beloved municipality of Kalibo.

The future of any society lies in the hands of its children. Their well-being, education, and happiness are not only a reflection of our present but are vital to shaping the course of our shared destiny. Today, we emphasize the importance of prioritizing the children of Kalibo, recognizing that their welfare is synonymous with the prosperity and sustainability of our community.

It is incumbent upon us to underscore the paramount significance of placing the children of Kalibo at the forefront of our concerns, understanding implicitly that their well-being is indistinguishable from the flourishing and resilience of our community.

Our commitment to the welfare of Kalibo’s children is not mere rhetoric; it is ingrained in the fabric of our governance. We champion policies that safeguard their rights, foster environments conducive to learning and growth, and amplify their voices in decision-making processes. Moreover, we cultivate partnerships with stakeholders across sectors, harnessing collective wisdom and resources to construct a future where every child’s dreams are within reach.

In our commitment to ensuring the well-being of our youngest citizens, the Municipality of Kalibo has taken significant strides. We have implemented the Kalibo Children’s Code, a testament to our dedication to promoting, enhancing, and institutionalizing the survival, protection, development, and participation rights of children. This is within the overarching framework of advancing the general welfare and fostering integrated, sustainable, and equitable development.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

The Municipality of Kalibo is dedicated to ensuring the holistic development and well-being of its youngest citizens through a comprehensive set of programs under the umbrella of the Kalibo Children’s Code. 

Our administration’s mandate is guided by the four non-negotiable pillars of the Rights of the Child. In 2025, we have not only embraced this mandate, but we have transformed it into tangible, life-changing action.

First, the pillar of Survival: This is the foundation of life itself. We have ensured that our children are physically ready to thrive, securing their health and nutrition from the earliest stages. Through robust health programs, we guarantee that their bodies are strong, their immunity is protected, and their future is built on a solid base of well-being.

Second, the pillar of Protection: We stand as an unwavering shield against all forms of neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Our programs, from safeguarding our schools to combatting the root causes of child labor through economic empowerment for families, are focused on creating a community where every child is safe, secure, and free from fear.

Third, the pillar of Development: We are actively fueling their brilliance. This is where we invest in their minds, skills, and potential. Through integrating survival skills into education, fostering early childhood growth, and guiding our adolescents toward informed career paths, we ensure that every child is prepared to be a productive, educated, and future-ready citizen.

Finally, the pillar of Participation: We recognize that children are not just subjects of our efforts; they are active partners. We are dedicated to amplifying their voices and ideas, empowering our youth to engage in the decisions that shape their schools, their communities, and their future.

Thus, we will witness how Kalibo is honoring this sacred trust, securing the rights, and realizing the full potential of every child.

SURVIVAL RIGHTS

The municipality is dedicated to promote our children’s Survival Rights, recognizing that optimal nutrition is central to cognitive capacity and school readiness.

The reach of the Municipal Nutrition Program continues to expand, evidenced by the increase in Operation Timbang Plus (OPT Plus) coverage from 76.6% in 2024 to 80.2% in 2025. This comprehensive monitoring confirms exceptional results for children aged 0–59 months: 99.11% are of normal weight-for-age, and 99.34% are of normal height-for-age. This near-universal physical well-being strongly supports the capacity of Kalibo’s children to learn and play.

[Section 2: Winning the Fight Against Undernutrition]

Significant strides have been made in reducing the critical threats of undernutrition. The Local Government Unit’s effective interventions, including the provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and Supplementary Food (RUSF), have led to a notable and positive decrease in severe cases:

• Severely Underweight prevalence dropped from 0.08% to 0.06%, signaling better energy for learning.
• Severely Stunted cases were reduced from 0.12% to 0.08%, mitigating the risk of permanent cognitive deficits.
• Overall Stunting decreased from 0.82% to 0.53%, resulting in fewer cases of chronic malnutrition impacting school focus. The rate of acute malnutrition (Moderately/Severely Wasted) is extremely low at a combined 0.05%.

The success of the 15th Cycle Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), serving 1,177 children across 35 Child Development Centers, further demonstrates the effectiveness of the municipal health strategy, with the overwhelming majority falling within the normal range.

[Section 3: Addressing Key Nutritional Challenges]

A closer look at the SFP beneficiaries highlights specific areas requiring decisive action. While the municipality celebrates the majority being normal, the data pinpoints concurrent issues of under- and overnutrition that must be addressed: (SHOW TABLE)

• Addressing Chronic Malnutrition (Stunting): While 15.80% show signs of stunting, this figure now represents a clear call to action. This high prevalence helps us focus resources on interventions that prevent the long-term risk of cognitive deficits, ensuring a strong physical foundation for the majority.

• Targeting Acute Risks (Wasting): We are acting on the 2.89% who are acutely wasted. This precise number allows for immediate, life-saving nutritional support, ensuring their acute risk to survival is quickly mitigated so they can return to full learning capacity.
• Managing the Dual Burden (Overnutrition): The finding that 10.28% are Obese/Overweight confirms the need for proactive lifestyle education. Recognizing this trend early allows us to lead the way in prevention against non-communicable diseases, promoting active play and healthier habits for future generations.
• Providing Energy for Learning (Underweight): The 6.88% who are underweight are being prioritized for focused feeding programs

The Garantisadong Pambata (GP) program showed strong compliance, essential for healthy growth. Vitamin A Supplementation reached 89% of the target, and routine Deworming for the 12–59 months group achieved 85% coverage. Furthermore, a total of 14,594 children and adolescents (1–19 years) benefited from deworming, an intervention critical to preserving attention span and school attendance. However, a significant gap remains in our primary defense: the Fully Immunized Children (FIC) coverage is at 43% (763 out of 1,785). 

[Section 5: Supporting Adolescents and Maternal Health]

The municipality is committed to the developmental needs of its older youth. The Healthy Young Ones initiative successfully engaged 1,130 adolescents in learning sessions covering mental health, responsible sexuality, and life skills. 

Adolescent pregnancy remains a challenge with a 3.44% prevalence rate. Crucially, Kalibo demonstrated an unwavering commitment to maternal health, achieving 100% coverage for both prenatal check-ups (at least 8 visits) and postpartum visits (at least 4 visits). 

[Section 6: Integration of Safety and Education]

Survival Rights are now effectively integrated into the educational environment. The Department of Education in Districts I and II reinforces nutrition through regular feeding programs and school gardening. More importantly, comprehensive earthquake and disaster preparedness drills were conducted across all levels, from New Buswang Elementary School to Aklan Valley High School and the Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center (KISEC).

The MDRRMO programs throughout 2025 provided crucial life-saving education, securing the child’s right to a safe learning environment. The inclusion of Basic Life Support and Standard First Aid training at Aklan Inter Faith Academy further empowers students to act as immediate responders, strengthening the culture of safety for all.

Furthermore, the PESO Aklan’s Career Development Support Program (CDSP) is empowering Grades 10 and 12 students to make informed decisions about their future, nurturing their potential as productive, future-ready citizens.

[Section 7: Addressing Child Labor Through Economic Resilience]

To uphold a child’s right to education over labor, the municipality is realizing its commitment to a Child Labor-Free Philippines through parental livelihood interventions. Under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), 34 parents of identified child laborers received livelihood starter kits. By providing sustainable income opportunities, Kalibo is strengthening the family’s economic resilience, lessening dependency on children’s income, and directly advancing the child’s right to education.

In summary, Kalibo’s achievements in the first half of 2025 highlight a strong link between survival and development. Our high performance in nutrition and safety creates a fertile ground for growth.

• Nutritional Excellence: Over 99% of children 0–59 months maintain normal nutritional status across key indicators, ensuring physical capacity for learning.
• Adolescent Empowerment: 1,130 youth participated in life skills sessions, upholding their right to information and psychosocial health.
• Safety Integration: Comprehensive school-based disaster drills and life support training ensure the learning environment is protected.

PROTECTION RIGHTS

Kalibo’s commitment to safeguarding its youth is anchored firmly on key national legislation, including the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610), the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 10364), and the Anti-Bullying Act (RA 10627). These laws define the local policy environment and guide the protocols used by frontline institutions.

Operationalizing these mandates is an integrated network of local structures: the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), the Barangay Councils, the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Kalibo Police, the MSWDO, and the DepEd Child Protection Committees. Together, these bodies function as a unified network facilitating prevention, intervention, and monitoring of all child protection issues.

[Section 2: Enforcement and Preventive Activities]

The municipality has sustained comprehensive action against major threats:

• Anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP): From December 2024 to February 2025, the Kalibo Municipal Police Station conducted extensive anti-trafficking efforts, distributing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials across key barangays. This community-level engagement ensures that residents are fully informed of trafficking indicators and reporting channels.
• Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC): The WCPD led a series of lectures and dialogues, enhancing the community’s understanding of the law. Multiple assistance interventions were recorded, and regular coordination with the MSWDO enhanced case management, providing timely referrals and psychosocial support, particularly in high-risk barangays like Andagaw and New Buswang.
• Crimes Against Children: Law enforcement demonstrated rapid response capacity. Activities included child-friendly IEC, joint counseling sessions with the MSWDO, and immediate police assistance, notably in the rescue of a physically harmed minor. Furthermore, the “E-Sumbong Aksyon Agad” platform enabled quick documentation and response to sensitive complaints like those under the Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353), ensuring victims receive immediate protection and support.

[Section 3: Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP)]

Kalibo ensures that even in crises, children’s needs are met:

• Children in Emergencies: In the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, the MSWDO mobilized immediate support for 2,498 affected families across 16 barangays, ensuring access to emergency food packs. Crucially, a total of 1,425 children were documented as affected, and the LGU immediately established a child-friendly space in the evacuation area, where Child Development Workers facilitated structured play and emotional debriefing to restore a sense of normalcy.
• Child Labor Prevention: In alignment with national goals, Kalibo intensified efforts to eliminate child labor. The profiling of child laborers led to targeted interventions, including providing livelihood support to 34 parents, aimed at reducing economic dependency on children. Public advocacy was bolstered through the “BayaniRUN” engaging 483 participants, while programs like Project Angel Tree and “Bags to School” provided direct educational support to children at risk. The Career Development Support Program further reached over 2,700 Grade 10 and 12 learners, guiding adolescents toward safer, decent employment pathways.

[Section 4: Safety in Schools and the Community]

Safety is integrated across the municipality:

• Child Protection in Schools: The DepEd Districts of Kalibo I and II significantly strengthened their school-based protection systems. Child Protection Committees were reactivated, and comprehensive activities—from anti-bullying campaigns and mental health promotion to fire and earthquake drills and cybersecurity orientations—were implemented to create nurturing and secure learning environments.
• Community-Based Safety: Kalibo is investing in youth disaster readiness. The 2nd Bagong Kalibo Rescue Competition 2025 successfully engaged six secondary schools, with Linabuan National High School emerging as champion, building a strong culture of safety and resilience among young people.
• Road Safety and Infrastructure: The “Safe Steps to School” initiative, supported by Civic Volunteer Officers, provided daily guided road crossing and perimeter monitoring in high-traffic areas. Furthermore, the construction of the municipal pedestrian overpass is a key infrastructure investment, providing a secure, elevated crossing pathway, particularly beneficial for schoolchildren.
• Awareness and Empowerment: The YouGADThis Radio Program on Radyo Natin Kalibo effectively broadened outreach, disseminating youth-centered information on children’s rights and mechanisms for reporting abuse, empowering children with essential knowledge.

[Section 5: Family Strengthening and Prevention]

A key initiative is the strengthening of family foundations to prevent domestic instability:

• Kasalan ng Bayan 2025: The successful 10th Kasalan ng Bayan formalized the marital unions of 30 couples. This event carries substantial implications for child protection, as regularizing marital status reduces child vulnerabilities associated with a lack of legal recognition, unstable family arrangements, and barriers to accessing essential services. By establishing formal, legally recognized households, the program strengthens family cohesion and enhances children’s access to benefits.

The collective efforts of all local institutions demonstrate a unified resolve to safeguard children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence, fostering a safe, nurturing, and child-centered environment.

DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS

In Kalibo, the Child Development Centers serve as vibrant foundations for curiosity. Preschoolers are actively engaged in daily experiences that nurture their emerging abilities, participating in creative arts and crafts, and engaging with local culture through storytelling sessions—such as the fascinating Legend of the Barter of Panay. 

Practical activities, including gardening with their parents and interactive demonstrations of farm animals, spark early interest in sectors like fishery and livestock. Classroom routines successfully reinforce early literacy and creativity, while significant milestones like the moving-up ceremonies, early enrollment drives, and the distribution of 2,000 “JBS Bagong Kalibo” bags prepared young learners across 16 barangays for their next educational steps.

[Section 2: Academic Mastery and Character Formation]

As children transition to formal education, development expands into academic mastery, character formation, and skill discovery across Kalibo’s Districts I and II. Schools have successfully created dynamic learning environments where students actively participate in reading remediation programs, Science and Math camps, and the highly engaging Scilympics. These opportunities have deepened their understanding of core subjects, sharpened their problem-solving skills, and strengthened collaboration among peers. Crucially, monthly spiritual formation activities add a grounding layer of values, nurturing respect, compassion, and gratitude in all participants.

[Section 3: Culture, Creativity, and Expression]

Beyond the classroom, growth flourishes where culture and creativity are celebrated. Kalibo’s children are shining stars, showcasing their talents in various school-based and district festivals, bringing great vibrancy to local cultural celebrations, including the world-renowned Ati-Atihan Festival. Art exhibits, workshops, and creative performances, organized in partnership with community groups, have enriched the educational landscape. These meaningful experiences affirm the students’ identities and allow them to express their voices with confidence.

[Section 4: Shaping Future Leaders and Honoring Educators]

This pathway of development naturally extends into adolescence, where young people begin shaping their future choices. The Career Development Support Program of the Public Employment Service Office is instrumental in guiding older students. The program successfully reached 1,196 Grade 10 students and 1,545 Grade 12 students, equipping them with vital tools for self-assessment, labor market awareness, and informed planning for higher education or technical-vocational training.

The municipality also paused to honor those who laid this foundation: five retired Child Development Teachers and Workers were awarded certificates and cash incentives. 

[Section 5: Commitment to Excellence in Development]

Kalibo’s comprehensive approach creates a seamless continuum of development—from the wonder of preschool to the structured learning of formal schooling, culminating in young people confidently preparing for their future roles. Through the combined dedication of teachers, development workers, and community partners, Kalibo is setting a benchmark for excellence in nurturing every child’s potential. The municipality’s strategy stands as a model of what collective commitment can achieve.

Kalibo is actively shaping capable, grounded, and confident youth, continuously elevating the standards of early development. Here, childhood is not only guided; it is strengthened, celebrated, and transformed into a foundation for a proud and purposeful future.

PARTICIPATION RIGHTS

The Municipality of Kalibo consistently provides broad, safe, and diverse platforms where children’s voices, talents, and perspectives are valued in cultural life, community development, and local governance. Through sustained programs in culture, arts, sports, and civic engagement, the LGU ensures every young Kalibonhon is an empowered partner in building the community.

[Section 2: Cultural Preservation and Artistic Expression]

Kalibo is actively championing children’s deep involvement in cultural heritage.

• The annual “Color my Ati” event during the Ati-Atihan Festival nurtured artistic expression, offering four age-appropriate categories—from Beginners 1 (3–5 years old) to Advance (13–16 years old)—thereby strengthening cultural identity through visual arts.
• The “Barter of Panay” theatrical cultural presentation, a key intangible cultural heritage, was staged by the Kalibo Council for Culture and the Arts (KCCA) Performing Arts Guild, showcasing the talents of students.
• Students from Kalibo Sun Yat Sen actively participated in the vibrant Chinese New Year Celebration, promoting cultural appreciation and honoring the community’s contributions.
• Young actors, including students from Regional Science High School, led the solemn reenactment for the 128th Martyrdom Anniversary of the XIX Martyrs ng Aklan.
• Children and teens also highlighted Kalibo’s world-renowned Piña cloth through participation in Piña Festival Modeling events.
• The Sarok Short Film Festival continued to engage young creatives, with a Film Orientation & Workshop for Students, and recording more than 15 student film reviews, reflecting a growing youth engagement in critical appreciation of regional storytelling.

[Section 3: Sports Development and Community Engagement]

The LGU ensures that participation extends to health and active living:

• During the “Pahampang kay San Juan Bautista,” children enthusiastically participated in games and community activities at Pook Jetty Port, celebrating local traditions.
• The National MILO® Marathon Qualifying Race—Kalibo Leg was a huge success, with 2,300 students aged 17 and below participating in the 3-K and 5-K Runs, developing teamwork, camaraderie, and school pride.
• The “Padue-os Dos: Skimboarding Showdown 2025” was formally organized to highlight the skills and talents of young athletes below 18 years of age.
• Mayor Juris B. Sucro has consistently demonstrated strong commitment to supporting young athletes participating in the Batang Pinoy, Provincial Meet, WVRAA, and Palarong Pambansa, providing direct assistance, including cash incentives, and personally boosting their morale.
• In a display of widespread athletic development, the Yorme’s Cup Inter-Barangay Basketball League for the 17-Under category saw 100% participation from all sixteen barangays of the Municipality of Kalibo.

[Section 4: Youth Expression, Leadership, and Advocacy]

Kalibo is also nurturing future leaders and critical thinkers:

• The Battle of Drums, Lyre, and Bugle Corps 2025 at Pastrana Park showcased vibrant school pride from seven participating schools across elementary and secondary categories.

• The Battle of the Bands during the Ati-Atihan Festival provided a dynamic platform for student bands to showcase their musical talents.

• In line with promoting agricultural sustainability, the Youth Agripreneurship Training Program was successfully conducted for 4H Club Officers and youth leaders, fostering future leaders in the agricultural sector.

• The Linggo ng Kabataan 2025 Celebration featured a Youth Symposium themed “Empowered Youth,” educating and inspiring high school students to become proactive and responsible members of society.

• Kalibo actively joined the 33rd National Children’s Month Celebration with a talent show, “TALENTadong Inungang Akeanon,” providing a platform for six children to showcase their talents and advocate for children’s rights.

• Furthermore, 21 schools across Kalibo Districts I and II promoted the Right to Participation by engaging students in SPG/SSG projects, leadership trainings, and cultural activities.

• On the front of advocacy, 35 children actively joined the One Billion Rising Campaign to end violence against women and girls, while the youth-led Healthy Young Ones Sessions reached 2,792 adolescents across 10 schools and 1 barangay, giving young people meaningful opportunities to learn and express their views on health and well-being.

The Municipality of Kalibo is thus ensuring that every child is not just a beneficiary of progress but an active, valued partner in shaping the future of the community.

(MAYOR’S LAST PART)

Thus, as we conclude this State of the Children’s Report 2025, we stand united in our unwavering commitment to the welfare, rights, and future of every child in Kalibo

With steadfast dedication, the Municipality of Kalibo has developed policies, programs, and partnerships that champion the survival, protection, and development of our children. This seal is a symbol of our promise—a promise to make Kalibo a place where every child can thrive, learn, and dream freely. Our journey to uphold the welfare of children continues, fueled by this recognition and strengthened by the shared hope of a brighter future for all.

“Padayon ru progreso para sa mga inunga it banwang Kalibo!” 

Once again, a pleasant afternoon to all.