In celebration of National Children’s Week, excitement, cheer, and high spirits filled the Jimmy L. Fernandez Center (CSI Stadia) as city officials, students, educators, and advocates gathered for the much-awaited 2026 Children’s Summit, a unified celebration of kids’ rights and safety held today, January 27.
A joint initiative of the City Government of Dagupan and the Department of Education (DepEd) – Dagupan City Division, the three-day event follows the theme “Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!” and underscores the city’s commitment to empowering and protecting children in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Hon. Judge Zarah Fernandez, Presiding Judge at the RTC Branch 15, Dagupan City, delivered the keynote speech at the summit and called for a collective effort to advocate for stronger measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of every Dagupeño child.
“Let us do this hand in hand, for it takes the entire community to raise a single child.”
Mayor Belen Fernandez reaffirms her vow to championing child-friendly, child-sensitive and child-focused programs as local chief executive.
“As Mayor, I will always prioritize the welfare of our children, because you are the future of Dagupan. What we do today will shape the city you will lead tomorrow. When we protect your rights, invest in your education, and support your dreams, we are building a brighter, stronger, and more hopeful future for our city.”
She also highlighted her accomplishments and ongoing projects aimed at providing students with a safer, cleaner, and more conducive learning environment.
The kickoff ceremony was succeeded by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Local Government Unit, DepEd-Dagupan, and participating partners and organizations, which was followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the main exhibit and activity-filled booths.
Among those present at the ceremonial opening were Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua, Councilors Michael Fernandez, Christel Hillary “Tala” Paras, Jeslito “Jigs” Seen, Danielle “Danee” Francine Canto, Marcelino Fernandez, Bradley Benavides, SDS Dr. Rowena Banzon, ASDS Dr. Anna Liza Chan, Office of the Council for the Welfare of the Children USec. Angelo M. Tapales through a representative, PIA Program Management Division Chief Darrel Withrop Torres, DFPTA Officers, DepEd Officials, LGU Employees, Girls Scouts of the Philippines – Dagupan Council, Boy Scouts of the Philippines – Dagupan Council, Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran (MYK) young leaders, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairmen and PNP Dagupan.
Mayor Belen reassured that the city, under her watch, will always remain committed to the needs of its youngest constituents as Dagupan further cements its role as a leading child-friendly city in the Philippines.
