BOTOLAN, Zambales — The local government of Botolan, Zambales gained back-to-back recognition this month for local projects that focused on community development, and child protection and welfare.

Under the administration of Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane, Botolan LGU received an “Ideal Functionality” rating in the CY 2024 Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC) Assessment. This recognized the LGU’s efficient and effective implementation of development projects in terms of organization, training, planning, implementation, and reporting.

The Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC) assessment evaluates the effectiveness of local government units in monitoring and evaluating government projects. The assessment focuses on the functionality of the LPMC, ensuring transparency and accountability in project implementation. 

The Botolan LGU also received the “Green Banner Award” from the National Nutrition Council (NNC), which honors excellence in implementing and managing nutrition programs.

This award is a prestigious recognition given LGUs for their commitment to improving the nutritional well-being of their communities, particularly among vulnerable populations like preschool and school children. 

At the same time, Botolan LGU earned an “Ideal Functionality” rating in the 2024 assessment of its Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), which is responsible for promoting child rights and welfare.

Mayor Ebdane said that Botolan’s LCPC earned one of the highest ratings among the 137 LGUs in Central Luzon that were evaluated for organizational sustainability, policies and plans for children, budget allocation, and service delivery, monitoring, and management.

The LCPCs, which are established at the provincial, city/municipal, and barangay levels, acts as a central unit for child protection initiatives, facilitating collaboration between different stakeholders and ensuring children’s needs are considered in local development plans.

On June 16, the Botolan LGU also implemented “Bayanihang Bulilit”, an annual activity that seeks to promote awareness and participation in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) in the municipality.

The project is instrumental in developing the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth of Botoleño children.

Mayor Ebdane said the recognitions received by the Botolan LGU in these areas only prove that collaborative efforts among officials, LGU workers, and local stakeholders are bearing fruit for the overall growth of the community. 