BAGUIO CITY – The city council passed on second reading a proposed ordinance naming the Social Development Center in Balenben, Irisan, here, as “Bahay Pag-Asa” with enclosed former Social Development Center, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.
Authored by councilor Mylen Yaranon, the measure cites RA No. 10630 where “each province and highly-urbanized city shall be responsible for building, funding and operating a ‘Bahay Pag-Asa’ within their jurisdiction following the standards that will be set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and adopted by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council”.
“Bahay Pag-Asa” refers to a 24-hour child-caring institution established, funded and managed by local government units (LGUs) and licensed and/or accredited non-government organizations, providing short-term residential care for Children In Conflict with the Law, who are above 15 but below 18 years of age, and who are awaiting court disposition of their cases or transfer to other agencies or jurisdiction.
The local legislature’s committee on education, culture and historical research headed by councilor Peter Fianza has recommended that the city’s name be added to the proposed name or for it to be translated in the appropriate local dialect to distinguish it from other “Bahay Pag-Asa”.
If finally approved, the ordinance calls for the improvement of the buildings and designed to be gender-sensitive using the counterpart share of the local government to the national government contribution in the amount of P5 million.
The measure will take effect in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991.**gaby keith and cassey francis (pio intern)
