NGO needs children commission certificate to get city accreditation

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City council has required all non-government organizations seeking to be accredited by the city government to submit a certification from the Cebu City Commission for the Protection of Children.

The move is to ensure that all NGOs, especially those working for the welfare of children, are being monitored since the commission is tasked to formulate a comprehensive and integrated city plan of action for the children and address issues and concerns affecting them.

The council approved a resolution sponsored by Councilor Margot Osmeña requiring a CCCPC certification before an NGO application for accreditation by the city council is given due course.

Osmena, chairperson of the committee on women, family and children, said that there is a need for the city government to monitor the different activities of the NGOs working for the welfare of children so as to define and set a clear direction.

"As means of monitoring, all NGOs seeking accreditation from the city government should submit necessary documents to the CCWPC prior to the approval of its accreditation," Osmena said.

According to Osmeña, it is important that the programs of the NGO wanting to be accredited should be included in the comprehensive plan of action for children to be drafted by the commission.

"The CCCWPC has to look at the real situation of the children in the city as well as note the various programs and services offered not only by different government agencies of the local government but also done by the NGOs," Osmena added. (FREEMAN)