Preparing for the National Validation
BACOLOD - On September 16, 2026, the City Government conducted a preparatory meeting involving the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), City Health Office (CHO), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other participating offices. Representatives from 61 barangays were also included in the preparations as the city gets ready for the upcoming national validation. The meeting provides an opportunity for the participating offices and barangays to coordinate their preparations and review the requirements that may be assessed during the validation process.
Validators Expected to Visit Barangays
The national validation is scheduled for October 5–9, 2026, during which validators are expected to visit Bacolod and conduct inspections in selected barangays. Some of these visits will involve surprise inspections, making preparation an important part of the city's efforts to demonstrate its child-focused programs and services. The involvement of barangay representatives allows information and preparations to reach the community level, where many programs intended to support children and families are implemented. The upcoming validation will provide an opportunity for the city to present how its different offices and barangays contribute to creating environments that respond to children's needs.
A Return to the National Finals
Bacolod's return to the national finals after 11 years marks another significant stage in its participation in the Presidential Awards for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities. Being among the four finalists in the Highly Urbanized Cities category places the city's child-focused initiatives under national evaluation alongside other finalist cities. As October's validation approaches, the City Government and its partner offices continue preparing with representatives from the city's 61 barangays. The process highlights the importance of coordinated local government efforts in supporting programs related to child health, protection, development, participation, and overall well-being.
