CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SANTO TOMAS, LA UNION: CHILD-FRIENDLY PRACTICES

(Speech submitted during the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly
Municipalities and Cities [PACFMC] Awarding Ceremony,
November 28, 2019, Malacañan Palace)

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in

which it treats its children.”

It is a great honor for the Municipality of Santo Tomas to be awarded

with this prestigious recognition – the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly
Municipalities and Cities. Not all the municipalities and cities are afforded
with this most coveted award.

The criteria for the evaluation of most child-friendly municipality were

difficult to achieve but we were able to surpass it. Though our town is still a
budding one, we always prioritize our children by offering them their needs
for development thru the establishment and maintenance of day care
center in the 24 barangays including the continuous provision of health and
feeding programs to our pre-school and elementary school children. We
coordinated with the school heads in the primary level so that they could
come up with sound policies for the protection of our school children. We
also strengthen ties with the Parents-Teachers and Community Association
for better partnership in the implementation of programs and projects that is
beneficial to our children. We have an annual allocation in the Special
Education Fund that is ready anytime to address the needs of our learners
in the public schools. The Municipal Health Office regularly conducts
visitation in elementary schools for vaccination, medical and dental
checkups to update the health condition of our school children. Strong
partnership with the private medical practitioners provides free health
services to our children and their families to supplement the initiatives
undertaken by the municipal government.

On the other hand, the Legislative Body supports the endeavor of the
Executive Department by enacting pertinent laws for the protection of our
children. The Upgraded Child Code of the Municipality of Santo Tomas
contains provisions on anti-bullying acts; child fostering and parenting, and
enhancing the functions and responsibilities of the Local Council for the
Protection of Children. There are also provisions on child exploitation and
child trafficking. The Youth Code which was recently approved covers
protection for youth below 18 years old.

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Aside from the Child and Youth Code, we have separate ordinances
wherein the primordial purpose of these laws is to protect the welfare and
uplift the rights of the children. Foremost among these ordinances is the
act that prohibits children below seven (7) years old to ride in front or at the
back of a motorcycle driver. Second is the act prohibiting sale of tobacco
and intoxicating drinks to children. Then, this was followed by an ordinance
prohibiting minors from entering cockpits. Another ordinance that ensures
the security of the minors is the act prohibiting them to loiter in public
places from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Finally, to ascertain that their time is
well spent in the school, all school children are prohibited to enter computer
shops within school hours.

Indeed, we are very fortunate to be recognized of our efforts for our

children. We may not fully achieve our goals but certainly we are confident
that our local government, in coordination with the concerned agencies
under our auspices, has been offering the best practices for our children.
Our intensive attempts in reaching our goals imply that we can do more,
more than what we expect. Through this prestigious award, we can say
that our collective effort really paid off. We did not expect to be on top. We
just did what should be done because we believe that the posterity could be
better citizens if they are given the right love, care and protection. When
they will be like us, they will also do the same to the generation following
them, eventually; our nation will be great again. Rise Santo Tomas!

I would like to extend my heartfelt felicitations to our town mates and I

dedicate this award to them. This is our first time to achieve this exceptional
title – the Most Child Friendly Municipality entire the country. I am grateful
to the department heads, school heads and to all those who painstakingly
join us in our endeavor in the implementation of tangible programs, projects
and activities for our children. We will continue to serve our people without
being repaid. It is a tough job but it brings joy in our hearts to see our
constituents happy and contented with our service. To God be the Glory!

Dur-as Santo Tomas!

ENGR. SEVERINO C. CARBONELL

Municipal Mayor

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

INTRODUCTION

As of 01 May 2020, Santo Tomas, La Union had a total population of

40,846 persons. Of this total, the household population comprised 99.99
percent or 40,842 persons. This is 1.78 thousand higher than the 39,066
household population in 2015, and 4.85 thousand more than the 35,993
household population posted in 2010. (Table A)

The remaining 0.01 percent of the total population is comprised of the

institutional population or those residing in collective or institutional living
quarters such as hospitals, orphanages, and military camps; and of
Filipinos in Philippine embassies, consulates, and missions abroad.

TABLE A. Santo Tomas, La Union Population Based on Various Census Years

Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2000, 2010, 2020 Census of Population and Housing, 2015
Census of Population

Number of households increased by 1.40 thousand from 9.0

thousand in 2015 to 10.39 thousand in 2020

The total number of households in Santo Tomas, La Union reached

10,392 in 2020. This is higher by 1.40 thousand compared with the 8,996
households in 2015 and by 2.41 thousand compared with 7,986
households in 2010. (Table B)

TABLE B. Household Population, Number of Households, and Average Household Size,

Santo Tomas, La Union: Various Census Years

Sources: 2015 Philippine Statistics Authority, 2000, 2010, 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Census of Population

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One in every five households in the municipality are in Barangays

Patac, Tubod, and Damortis

Among the 24 barangays of the municipality, Patac had the most

number of households in 2020 with 884, followed by Tubod with 760, and
Damortis with 737. These three barangays comprised 22.91 percent of the
total households in the municipality. The barangay of Malabago posted the
least number of households with 128 households.

TABLE C. Household Population, Number of Households, and Average Household Size

by Barangay, Santo Tomas, La Union: 2020

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2020 Census of Population and Housing

Average household size declines to 3.9 persons in 2020

The average household size (AHS) of the municipality decreased

from 4.3 persons in 2015 to 3.9 persons in 2020. In 2010, there were 4.5
persons, on average, per household. (Table C and Figure 1)

Eleven out of 24 barangays posted an AHS higher than the

municipality’s AHS of 3.9 persons.
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Figure 1. Household Population, Number of Households, and Average

Household Size , Santo Tomas, La Union: Various Census Years
Number
(in thousands) AHS

2010 2015 2020

Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority, 2010 and 2020 Census of Population and Housing and
2015 Census of Population

Population by age group

According to the 2015 Census, the age group with the highest
population in Santo Tomas is 5 to 9, with 4,081 individuals. Conversely, the
age group with the lowest population is 80 and over, with 416 individuals.

Combining age groups together, those aged 14 and below, consisting

of the young dependent population which include infants/babies, children
and young adolescents/teenagers, make up an aggregate of 30.83%
(12,053). Those aged 15 up to 64, roughly, the economically active
population and actual or potential members of the work force, constitute a
total of 63.25% (24,726). Finally, old dependent population consisting of the
senior citizens, those aged 65 and over, total 5.92% (2,313) in all.

The computed Age Dependency Ratios mean that among the population of
Santo Tomas, there are 49 youth dependents to every 100 of the working
age population; there are 9 aged/senior citizens to every 100 of the working
population; and overall, there are 58 dependents (young and old-age) to
every 100 of the working population.
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The median age of 25 indicates that half of the entire population of

Santo Tomas are aged less than 25 and the other half are over the age of
25.

Age group Population (2015) Age group percentage

Under 1 790 2.02%

1 to 4 3,432 8.78%
5 to 9 4,081 10.44%
10 to 14 3,750 9.59%
15 to 19 3,811 9.75%
20 to 24 3,530 9.03%
25 to 29 3,116 7.97%
30 to 34 2,827 7.23%
35 to 39 2,574 6.58%
40 to 44 2,167 5.54%
45 to 49 2,084 5.33%
50 to 54 1,921 4.91%
55 to 59 1,528 3.91%
60 to 64 1,168 2.99%
65 to 69 936 2.39%
70 to 74 507 1.30%
75 to 79 454 1.16%
80 and over 416 1.06%
Total 39,092 100.00%
• Youth Dependency Ratio: 48.75
• Old Age Dependency Ratio: 9.35
• Total Dependency Ratio: 58.1
• Median Age: 25.24

Historical population

The population of Santo Tomas grew from 5,446 in 1903 to 40,846 in

2020, an increase of 35,400 people over the course of 117 years. The
latest census figures in 2020 denote a positive growth rate of 0.93%, or an
increase of 1,754 people, from the previous population of 39,092 in 2015.

Census date Population Growth rate

1903 Mar 2 5,446 –

1918 Dec 31 8,046 2.50%
1939 Jan 1 10,352 1.27%
1948 Oct 1 12,897 2.28%
1960 Feb 15 14,929 1.29%
1970 May 6 19,482 2.64%
1975 May 1 21,341 1.85%
1980 May 1 22,610 1.16%
1990 May 1 27,352 1.92%
1995 Sep 1 28,192 0.57%
2000 May 1 31,204 2.20%
2007 Aug 1 33,604 1.03%
2010 May 1 35,999 2.54%
2015 Aug 1 39,092 1.58%
2020 May 1 40,846 0.93%
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Median age increased to 25.26 years

In 2015, the median age of the population in Santo Tomas was 25.26
years, which means that half of the population was younger than 25.26
years. This is higher than the median age of 23.75 years that was recorded
in 2010.

Children aged 5 to 9 years (10.45 percent) comprised the largest age

group, followed by those in the age groups 10 to 14 years (9.60percent)
and 0 to 4 years (10.81percent). Males outnumbered females in the age
groups 0 to 54 years. On the other hand, there were more females than
males in the older age groups55 years and over.

More than three fifths of the total population were of voting age

The voting-age population (18 years and over) accounted for 63.14
percent of the household population of Santo Tomas in 2015, up from 60.92
percent in 2010. There were more males with 50.03 percent than females
with 49.97 percent among the voting-age population.

Almost one tenth of the household population were senior citizens

The senior citizens population (60 years and over) accounted for 8.91
percent of the household population of the municipality in 2015, up from
7.90 percent in 2010. There were more females (56.68 percent) than
males (43.32 percent) among the senior citizens population.

In 2015, the young dependents (0 to 14 years) comprised 30.85

percent of the household population while the old dependents (65 years
and over) posted a share of 5.92 percent. The working-age population (15
to 64 years) accounted for the remaining 63.23 percent.

The overall dependency ratio was 58, which indicates that for every
100 working-age population, there were about 58 dependents (49 young
dependents and 9 old dependents). This ratio is lower than the dependency
ratio in 2010, which was recorded at 63 dependents per 100 working-age
population.

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Population Distribution Currently Attending School by Age Group and Sex

Seven in every ten school age population currently attending school

Of the15,146-household population 5-24 years, 68.78 percent were

attending school. Of those persons reported to be attending school, 37.75
percent were aged 5-9 years, 35.01 percent were aged 10-14 years, 23.11
percent were aged 15-19 years, and the remaining 4.14 percent were
between 20-24 years.

More females had attained higher levels of education

Of the total population five years old and over, 29.40 percent had
attended or completed elementary education while 41.52 percent had
reached or finished high school. Moreover, 1.41 percent had attended or
completed post-secondary schooling, 9.64percent were college
undergraduates, and 12.84percent were academic degree holders. Among
those with an academic degree, the females (55.19 percent) outnumbered
the males (44.81 percent). Similarly, more females (52.38) than males
(47.62) had pursued post baccalaureate courses.

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Literacy rate was posted at 99.43 percent

Of the household population age 10 years old and over, 99.43

percent were literate. Among those who were literate, males (50.46percent)
slightly outnumbered the females (49.54 percent).

Marital Status

There were more males than females among the never-married persons

Of the household population 10 years old and over, 41.38 percent

were married while 42.17percent were never married. The rest of the
population were categorized as follows: widowed (5.05 percent), common
law/live-in marital arrangement (9.71 percent), and divorced/separated
(1.68 percent).

Among the never married persons, 55.37 percent were males while
44.63 percent were females. For the rest of the categories for marital status,
the females outnumbered the males.

Labor Force

Male gainful workers outnumbered their female counterpart

Of the 27,013-household population 15 years old and over in Santo

Tomas, La Union, 58.68 percent (or 15,850persons) were gainful workers.
Male gainful workers outnumbered their female counterpart. They
comprised 65.56 percent of all the gainful workers from this municipality.
The skilled agricultural forestry and fishery workers made up the largest
percentage (24.63 percent) of the total gainful workers from this
municipality in 2015, followed by service and sales workers (22.78 percent),
elementary occupations (19.56 percent), and plant and machine operators
and assemblers (9.24 percent).

Female overseas workers outnumbered their male counterpart

Of the 27,013-household population 15 years old and over in Santo

Tomas, La Union, 5.50 percent (1,485 persons) were overseas workers.
Female overseas workers outnumbered their male counterpart. They
comprised 52.66 percent of all the overseas workers in the municipality.
Overseas workers aged 25 to 29 years made up the largest age group,
comprising 22.29 percent of the total overseas workers, followed by those
in the age groups 30 to 34 years (19.87 percent), 45 years and over (19.60
percent), and 35 to 39 years (17.44 percent).
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Employment

Santo Tomas is basically an agricultural and fishing community. With this,

majority of the inhabitants are dependent on farming and fishing for their
livelihood and source of income. About 50% of its total land area is
devoted to crop production and approximately 30% is utilized for
aquaculture purposes. Average employment rate is 65% of the total
population wherein agriculture comprises 61%, industry and services
represent 16% and employment whether it is working in government or
private entity is 23%.

Small scale commerce and industry caters only to the needs of local
consumers. Commercial and industrial activities are limited to post-harvest
facilities, retailing/trading and footloose industries like hollow blocks making
and agri-food processing.

Average Family Income and Expenditures vis-à-vis Poverty Level

Based on the National Housing Targeting System (NHTS) survey, the

average family income of the municipality is Php 18,000.00/annum. Said
income is expended for basic necessities at home like food, electricity,
medicines, clothing, etc. Other is allocated to the education of their
children.

Same survey revealed that the poverty level of the municipality is

3.37%.

Social Welfare Services

The efficient and smooth delivery of social welfare services in the

municipality is being spearheaded by the Municipal Social Welfare and
Development Office which oversees the operation of 24 Day Care Centers
at various barangays. It is headed by the Municipal Social Welfare and
Development Officer with one (1) Social Welfare Officer I, one (1) Social
Welfare Assistant, one (1) Day Care Worker II and four (4) Job Order
personnel. The annual budget for Day Care Services is incorporated in the
Other Maintenance and Operating Expense of MSWD Office and in the
Statutory Obligation.

School Facilities

The Municipality of Santo Tomas is so fortunate for having a complete

education level from elementary to tertiary. It has fifteen (15) public
elementary schools, two (2) private elementary schools, five (5) public
secondary schools, one (1) private secondary school and one (1) tertiary
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school. In terms of land area, the total area for public elementary level is
11.750476 hectares; 5.173 for public secondary level, and 23.00 hectares
for public tertiary level. Damortis Elementary School located at Barangay
Damortis occupies the largest area of 2.00 hectares while Casilagan
Elementary School in Barangay Casilagan occupies the least area of 0.050
hectare. The Damortis National High School located at Barangay Damortis
occupies the largest area of 4.173 hectares for public secondary school.
The Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Institute of Fisheries,
the only tertiary school in the municipality and the only fisheries school
offering Bachelor of Science in Fisheries in the Province of La Union
occupies a total area of 23.00 hectares.

Student-Teacher and Student-Classroom Ratio

Data obtained as of SY 2023-2024 showed that a total of 4,864 are

enrolled with 221 teachers and 173 classrooms in both public and private
elementary school’s level. This results to an average 1:22 student-teacher
ratio and 1:28 student classroom ratio among the 17 public and private
elementary schools.

In public and private secondary schools’ level, there are 3,775

enrollees with 163 teachers and 125 classrooms with an average student-
teacher ratio of 1:23 and an average student-classroom ratio of 1:30
among the six (6) public and one (1) private secondary schools.

Of the total population 5 to 18 years old, 4,480 learners or 51.86

percent males are attending elementary and secondary education
compared to females with 4,159 learners or 48.14 percent. Moreover, 2,530
learners or 52.01 percent males are attending elementary education while
the females accounted to 2,334 learners or 47.99 percent of the total
school age populace from 5 to 11 years old.

On the other hand, of the 3,775 learners of the secondary education,

1,950 learners or 51.66 percent are males while 1,825 learners or 48.34
percent are females.

Medical Health Services/Facilities and Manpower

The Municipal Health Center and Maternal-Child Care Center is

located at Barangay Patac equipped with basic health care facilities,
equipment and two (2) units’ ambulance. It is manned by one (1) Municipal
Health Officer, two (2) Public Health Nurse, one (1) Medical Technologist,
seven (7) midwives, two (2) Rural Sanitary Inspectors and one (1)
ambulance driver. There is also one (1) dentist and one (1) Dental Aide
assigned in the health center provided by the Provincial Health Office.
Aside from these regular personnel, additional workforce was provided by

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the national government in every City/Municipal Health Office (e.g. NDPs,

etc.) throughout the country.

Since some of the health programs are already devolved to the local
government units, the PopCom and nutrition services are among the
services absorbed by the municipal government. Two (2) personnel were
designated to handle these devolved functions by the Population
Commission and the Department of Health.

Health is wealth. No one shall be deprived of his rights to access better

health services. Now, we can enjoy the shopping list of services offered by
our new facility such as the maternal service on pre-natal and post-natal
care; spontaneous delivery and care of new born babies; serves as mother-
child friendly health facility; provides Basic Emergency Obstetrics and New
Born Care (BEONB); family planning and health education and many more.
Our health facility already obtained its PhilHealth Certificate of Accreditation
on Maternal Care Services, Primary Care Services and TB-DOTS. At
present, our constituents are now enjoying the 3-in-1 healthcare package
offered by our health center and lying-in facility. The extension building of
our health center is now ready for occupancy.

Aside from the main health station, there are nine (9) Barangay Health
Stations (BHS) located at Barangays Poblacion, Pongpong, Bail, Casilagan,
Damortis, Cupang, Namboongan, Tococ and Baybay and satellite BHS in
15 remaining barangays. Each catchment BHS is manned by one (1)
midwife. The 150 Barangay Health Workers assist in the provision of basic
health services in the 24 barangays.

There are two (2) private medical clinics operating in the town, the Nitura-
Verganio Clinic and Laboratory as well as Smart Kids Medical Clinic located
at Barangay Damortis and Namonitan, respectively. There are seven (7)
drugstores operating around the municipality.

Sports and Recreation

Sports and recreational facilities in the town basically consist of

covered municipal court/auditorium, barangay plaza, children’s park and
playgrounds with concrete pavements in all barangays.

The Municipal Hall compound itself offers a vantage point for viewing
the beautiful town of Santo Tomas with its lush green fields and seashores
sparkling like emeralds from a distance.

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The newly established Children’s Park in the Municipal Hall greatly

served its purpose to provide a conducive play area for children near the
area.

There are no movie houses, video arcades, bowling alleys and

shopping centers in town. People go to San Fernando City or Dagupan
City in Pangasinan for this kind of recreational activities.

Protective Services

The Municipality of Santo Tomas is one of the most peaceful and

orderly towns in the Province of La Union. There are few incidents
transpired pertaining to crime against person and property recorded but
easily addressed by Santo Tomas Police Station. This cannot affect the
prevailing overall crime situation of the municipality. Similarly, there are no
movements of insurgents or presence of left-leaning groups / individuals
and armed conflict occurred. Further, there are no recorded issues
affecting indigenous people involving women and children.

Santo Tomas is now a drug-cleared municipality where every citizen

enjoys a safe place to live, work, visit and do business per ROCBDC
Resolution No. 05, Series of 2023 effective November 10, 2023 issued by
the Regional Oversight Committee for Barangay Drug Clearing Program.
This was achieved through the regular anti-illegal drug operations of the
Philippine National Police (PNP). The Municipal/Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse
Councils (M/BDACs) is reorganized and further strengthened as an
extended arm of the local government in planning, implementing and
evaluating programs pertaining to drug abuse prevention. The People’s
Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) is also strengthened because this local
special body has the jurisdiction to hear and decide citizens’ complaints or
cases filed before and against erring offices and members of the PNP. The
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or IDADAIT
celebration serves as a reiteration of the commitment to our goal of freeing
society from the evils of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. All the programs,
projects and activities relative to drug prevention and rehabilitation is
continuously implemented in order to attain a drug free municipality.

As a manifestation of our unwavering commitment to totally suppress

illegal drugs in the municipality, Santo Tomas was conferred as one of the
Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance awardee. The 2023
Performance Audit Awarding Ceremony, with the theme Bayang May Pinag-
isa ng Diwa Laban sa Iligal na Droga” (One Nation with the Spirit of Unity
Against Illegal Drugs) was held at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Ortigas
Avenue, Quezon City on November 22, 2023. The ADAC Performance
Awards recognizes the best-performing local ADACs that comply with the
prescribed functionality indicators and implement anti-illegal drug
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interventions and initiatives to reduce drug abuse in their areas of

jurisdiction.

Vehicular accidents along the stretch of the national highway from

Barangays Damortis to Namboongan are mostly prevalent at night time. In
order to reduce the incidents of vehicular accidents by 60% at the end of
2023, various strategies were undertaken such as the installation of
warning signs and road signages along Mc Arthur Highway as well as the
strict implementation of the drunk-driving law. Repair and maintenance of
the national roads of the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH) is undertaken at all times to ensure road worthiness.

In order to address the urgency of the increasing crime volume due to

vehicular accidents, the municipal government installed traffic signages
along the stretch of the national highway of Barangays Patac and Damortis
to initiate preventive and proactive measures to safeguard the lives of the
motorists and pedestrians traversing the motorways of the municipality.

Similarly, the Santo Tomas Police Station is strictly implementing R.A.

10054, R.A. 4136 and municipal traffic ordinance within the municipality. A
total of two thousand, one hundred forty-eight (2,148) Traffic Citation
Tickets were issued to violators for different traffic ordinances.

On disaster preparedness and emergency response, necessary

preparations were performed and several search and rescue equipment
were obtained. However, manpower is also concerned but currently
addressed by the local government. As of December 2023, the station
inspected a total of 654 business establishments. On the other hand, a
total of 42 buildings were inspected with FSEC.

With regards to fire incident, a total of four (4) incidents were

recorded. Of the four (4) recorded incidents, no one was harmed or injured.

Due to the numerous and soaring accomplishments in terms of

Resiliency, the Municipality of Santo Tomas was awarded as the Most
Resilient LGU entire the Philippines by the Cities and Municipalities
Competitiveness Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry vesting
other municipalities from 3rd and 4th income class.

On the other hand, the LGU was also awarded as one of the Highly
Compliant LGUs under the Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna
LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) of the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council through the Office of the Civil Defense.
It was established as the country’s premier recognition scheme to various
stakeholders that design and implement Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (DRRM) programs that protect and shield high risk
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communities against hazards and render them more capable of addressing

their vulnerabilities and coping from disasters.

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GENERAL MEASURES OF IMPLEMENTATION

During the preparation of Annual Budget for CY 2023, the LGU

likewise attributed and built-in within the Annual Investment Program the
programs, activities and projects for the protection of children which is
1.00% of the Internal Revenue Allotment pursuant to R.A. No. 9344.

Of the Php 150,186,152.00 total National Tax Allocation (NTA) of the

LGU in 2023, Php 4,503,000.00 was allocated for children’s
programs/projects/activities. This represents 3.00 % of the NTA or more
than the allowable budgetary requirement as provided by law.

As to the safety measures of children in the community and schools,

the Sangguniang Bayan enacted the Municipal Ordinance No. 04, series of
2018 otherwise known as the Upgraded Comprehensive Traffic Rules and
Regulations and Transportation Code that regulates the seating capacity of
tricycles and other modes of public transport. Moreover, Municipal
Ordinance No. 7, series of 2014 was also passed prohibiting the selling of
firecrackers to children.

Barangay Ordinance on the Barangay Violence Against Women and

their Children (VAW/C) Desks were reorganized in the 24 barangays of the
municipality.

On November 14, 2016, the Sangguniang Bayan adopted SP

Ordinance No. 070-2015 entitled “Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and
Nutrition Ordinance of the Province of La Union” for implementation in the
Municipality of Santo Tomas, La Union.

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GENERAL PRINCIPLES

“For the best interest of the child” is the guiding principle of the LGU
in terms of child’s welfare.

The foundation of the person’s motor and intellectual skill, health,

intellectual capability and alertness, emotional security and social
competency is laid on the family, environment and good governance.
Children are sensitive to environmental factors that could threaten their
survival and security or facilitate their healthy and holistic development. It is
therefore essential that the programs and services for the children are
properly addressed to ensure their full protection and development.

For us to promote our children’s rights to survival, development,

protection and participation, the Sangguniang Bayan has enacted the
upgraded Municipal Ordinance No. 06-2021 better known as the Children’s
Code. This ordinance is enacted in recognition of children’s rights as
provided in Presidential Decree No. 603 otherwise known as the Child and
Youth Welfare Code and the United Convention of the Rights of the Child
and other local and international laws. It is hereby declared that the best
interest of the child be the primary consideration, hence shall: a) take
appropriate measure to ensure that the child is protected against all forms
of discrimination; b) undertake to ensure the child such protection and care
as necessary for his well-being; c) afford the necessary protection and
assistance to the family as the fundamental group in which the child
belongs and assure that the family is provided with basic social and health
services for the welfare of children, and d) undertake holistic development
of all children through a strong partnership between and among
government agencies; non-government agencies, private sectors securing
the highest degree of professionalism and competence in an atmosphere of
unity, solidarity and teamwork.

The Sangguniang Bayan had enacted Municipal Ordinance No.

062019 otherwise known as the Youth Code which aims of creating
“TIGNAY SALUAD – UBBING TI SANTO TOMAS” and allocating funds
thereof.

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CIVIL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

One of the basic rights of a child is the right to a name and a

nationality. The LGU ensures that this right is upheld. The Local Civil
Registry Office (LCRO) registered a total of 195 newborn under their
regular program in 2023 compared to 166 in 2022 or an increase of 29
births. Per record kept of this office, there are 45 children who are now
using the surname of their father under R.A. 9255 legitimation when
matched up to 2022 data with 50 children. This simply means that the
LCRO has progressively saturated all the 24 barangays pertaining to this
program.

The ongoing conduct of mobile registration and information

dissemination at different barangays significantly increased the number of
registrants whose births were not registered as embodied in Omnibus
Certification. The Omnibus Certification simply means the availment of
negative certification from the Philippine Statistics Authority and it is free of
charge. This is afforded to those senior citizens and indigents who will avail
the Birth Registration Assistance Program (BRAP).

Further, this program will saturate all barangays with high number of
unregistered births both young and old alike to avail of their birth certificate
for free. To date, there were 258 registrants who availed thru mobile
registration, regular and BRAP and 11 of which is an out-of-town
transaction from different parts of the country – Dasmariñas, Cavite (1);
Duero, Bohol (1); Tubao, La Union (2); Rizal, Occidental Mindoro (2);
Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro (1); San Nicholas; Batangas (1); Malolos
City, Bulacan (1), and Binalonan, Pangasinan (2).

Children have also the right to choose on limited aspect. The conduct
of Parent Enrichment Service to day care parents is an avenue to discuss
the stages of development of the child; to understand them better as well
as the laws that govern their right especially on child abuses. In this way,
parents will realize that their children are also human being that needs to
be respected.

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

FAMILY ENVIRONMENT AND ALTERNATE CARE

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to our children and

grandchildren are not many or other natural things accumulated in one’s life,
but rather a legacy of character and faith.” – Billy Graham

Partnership with families, communities, and the local government are

given much emphasis. Pre – marriage counseling was conducted to would
be couples on responsible parenthood. It is also a strategy to maintain the
orderliness in the family.

The LGU also recognizes the significant role of the Day Care Service
and other Early Childhood Care and Development programs in the
development of children’s well-being. As more children are placed in the
centers, it is important therefore that these facilities and its service
providers undergo accreditation process in order to ensure that children
under their care consistently receive high quality education. The
accreditation of day care centers and service providers in the municipality
greatly improved our facilities and elevate the performance our ECCD
workers.

Child minding centers sprouted in various barangays during the

pandemic to give way to other children not catered in the DCC to receive
an informal service in order for them to become active and participative all
throughout the year.

The passage of the La Union Iloko Code emphasizing Iloko as the

medium of instruction in day care centers was strictly implemented. The
Trainer’s Training on Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education for
ECCD workers equipped them to be more effective in imparting knowledge
to their learners.

Day Care Parent-Workers Association is strengthened in every center

to discuss and plan for the development of the child as well as the
improvement of their respective day care center. Construction, repair and
improvement of day care centers were done to ensure the safety of our
children and to provide them a more conducive place for learning.

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

BASIC HEALTH AND WELFARE

By virtue of SB Resolution No. 59, series of 2015, the Municipal

Health Center adopted its new name as Santo Tomas Maternal-Child Care
and Birthing Clinic for the purpose of obtaining permit and accreditation as
a duly licensed health facility with the Bureau of Health Facilities and
Services of the Department of Health. It is open 24/7 or 24 hours a day
and 7 days a week. For CY 2023, there were 36 babies born in the birthing
facility wherein 19 were males and 17 were females.

Total Number of Babies Born in the Birthing Facility by Sex, CY 2023

Facility By Sex Total
Male Female
Municipal Health Center and 19 17 36
Maternal-Child Care Clinic

On the other hand, no death among under-five years old children for
2023.

A total of 7,800 beneficiaries are being maintained in the databank of

the municipality under the PhilHealth sa Masa. Of the 7,800 beneficiaries,
200 were funded by the municipality amounting to Php 910,400.00 while
the remaining 7,600 were NHTS beneficiaries. The municipal government
embarked into another program of the PhilHealth, the Point of Care Service
wherein the indigent beneficiaries including the pregnant women will be
benefited directly for the whole duration of the package. This increased the
number of beneficiaries sponsored by the local government.

The promotion of children’s right to survival, adequate nutrition and

access to safe and nutritious food is integrated on health and nutrition
program. The active participation of day care workers, barangay nutrition
scholars and barangay health workers in the promotion of health and
nutrition is vital. They are considered the extended arms of the national
government in program implementation.

The barangay nutrition scholars continuously monitor the weight and

height of the children. Mothers are nurtured with information on the
importance of nutrition and breast feeding through Pabasa sa Barangay.
Volunteers encourage parents to adopt backyard gardening with the
technical assistance from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist.

The 150 barangay health workers assist the midwives assigned in the
barangay especially on vaccination and immunization and the provision of
vitamins to mothers during pre and post pregnancy. They encourage other
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family members to become health conscious through information

dissemination.

Children at the child development centers are greatly benefiting from

the health and nutrition programs. Their daily activities in the center
introduces health and sanitation like washing of hands before and after
eating, regular check up from the health provides, regular brushing of teeth
and the proper use of toilet. In addition, the Department of Social Welfare &
Development Regional Office I is extending its supplemental feeding
program to child development children in all the barangays. Supplemental
feeding in the form of dry goods was continued for children 2-5 years old
attending child development centers. This program benefitted 729 child
development children covering 24 child development centers that ended
last December 2023.

Of the 729 beneficiaries of the program, the number of under-five

years old children with below normal weights, stunting, and wasting is 66,
64, and 30, respectively in 2023. The rapid reduction is attributed to the
continuous conduct of supplemental feeding and provision of multi-vitamins
to our underweight and severely underweight children.

Total Number of Under-Five Years Old with Below Normal Weights,

Stunting, and Wasting by Barangay, CY 2023

Barangay Underweight Stunted and Moderately Wasted Total

and Severely Severely and Severely
Underweight Stunted Wasted
Ambitacay 0 2 0 2
Bail 3 2 2 7
Balaoc 3 2 1 6
Balsaan 2 1 1 4
Baybay 2 1 1 4
Cabaruan 3 2 1 6
Casantaan 2 2 0 4
Casilagan 3 1 3 7
Cupang 6 4 2 12
Damortis 4 4 1 9
Fernando 3 2 2 7
Linong 1 1 1 3
Lomboy 1 1 0 2
Malabago 1 1 1 3
Namboongan 3 5 1 9
Namonitan 3 2 2 7
Narvacan 2 3 0 5

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

Patac 5 3 3 11
Poblacion 3 2 1 6
Pongpong 2 2 2 6
Raois 6 9 0 15
Tococ 1 3 0 4
Tubod 3 2 3 8
Ubagan 4 7 2 13
Grand Total 67 64 30 160

Other sponsors in the conduct of supplemental feeding program

includes the Municipal Government of Santo Tomas and the 24 barangays
thru the use of their barangay and SK funds.

The Population Commission Officer assigned in the municipality

continuously conduct IEC campaign to mothers with big family members
and who belong to poor families to undergo free ligation every Family
Development Session (FDS) under the Pantawid Program.

The aim of the national government to promote healthy lifestyle is

even extended to primary and secondary level. The provision of free
medical and dental checkup and deworming is an annual health program in
the school.

Gulayan sa Paaralan is a flourishing project of the school wherein

various vegetables are grown in their garden. Aside from the health benefits
the project has to offer, it also serves as a source of income for the school.

Regular conduct of municipal wide cleanup drive was done annually

to encourage the 24 barangays together with the 22 educational institutions
and other government instrumentalities to clean their respective
surroundings or “arubayan” and to minimize if not totally control the
widespread proliferation of dengue disease caused by mosquitoes and
other communicable diseases.

Greening activities was spearheaded by the municipality through the

conduct of tree planting in sparsely forested areas. During the Arbor Day,
the municipal officials and employees including the teachers and students
of various elementary and high schools planted native and fruit-bearing
trees including malunggay in school quadrangle. There were 1,000
seedlings planted in identified sites within the municipality. To date, 80% of
the seedlings planted survived per report submitted by the Environment
and Natural Resources Unit (ENRU).

In order to protect the best interest of our children when it comes to

their health and welfare, the municipal government thru the Municipal Office
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with the aid of their Sanitary Inspectors is firmly implementing Municipal

Ordinance No. 3-2013 or the ‘Health and Sanitation Code of the
Municipality of Santo Tomas, La Union” to apply precautionary measures to
prevent the spread of any communicable disease or possible outbreak of
disease within the municipality and investigate all reported outbreaks and
deaths.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the Human Immuno

Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) also
pose harm on the part of the children including newborn babies. Once a
pregnant woman acquires HIV/AIDS, their baby is likely to acquire this
disease. In order to control and prevent the spread of this disease, the
Sangguniang Bayan passed Municipal Ordinance No. 5-2013 creating the
Municipal HIV/AIDS Council thru the Municipal Health Office to properly
implement program and projects in relation to the drive against HIV/AIDS.

The need for both a healthful environment and the protection of

citizens from the hazards of tobacco smoke, the local government thru the
Sangguniang Bayan enacted Municipal Ordinance No. 5, s. 2014 regulating
smoking in the public places including public conveyances, advertisements,
promotions and sponsorships of tobacco products and providing penalties
therefore in accordance with the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 and its
implementing rules and regulations. Smoking shall be absolutely prohibited
in the public places of the municipality including the designation of smoking
and nonsmoking areas.

Moreover, another ordinance was recently enacted by the

Sangguniang Bayan regarding water system. The Municipal Ordinance No.
3-2017 is an ordinance implementing the sanitary requirements for the
operation of retail water system or refilling stations, mobile water tanks and
bulk water for drinking and domestic use and water vending machines and
dispensers in the municipality and providing penalties thereof. The salient
feature of this ordinance is focus in securing a Sanitary Permit first prior to
operating a retail water system (RWS) or refilling station for commercial
purposes.

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

EDUCATION, LEISURE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

“The best students come from homes where education is revered: where
there are books, and children see their parents reading them.” – Leo
Buscaglia

As to performance indicators in the elementary and high school levels,

the following data were obtained:

Elementary Level, 2022

Performance Indicator Percentage
Completion Rate 99.97%
Achievement Rate 91.73%
Drop-out Rate 0.15%
Cohort Rate 95.68%

High School Level, 2022

Performance Indicator Percentage
Completion Rate 97.40%
Achievement Rate 89.00%
Drop-out Rate 2.23%
Cohort Rate 93.52%

The Local School Board (LSB) Plan is aligned with the School
Improvement Plan. The completion rate of LSB Plan is 91.90%.

Financial assistance was extended to public elementary and high

schools in the conduct of various activities such as Brigada Eskwela,
provision printers and supplies for the modular learning, and the like. Aside
from the assistance given to elementary and regular high school, financial
aid to four (4) senior high schools were also provided such as the purchase
of instructional materials, techvoc equipment, among others.

On the other hand, the 24 Barangay and SK Council through their

BCPC and GAD fund, provided school supplies, equipment and health kits
to Child Development Centers, and public elementary and secondary
schools.

The total number of day care children enrolled in the 24 day care
centers ages 2.1-6.0 years old for SY 2023-2024 is 860. These were
broken down by Day Care Center, by age group and by sex.

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

Total Number of Day Care Children Enrolled in the Day Care Centers
by Barangay and by Sex, SY 2023-2024

Day Care Center Breakdown

Male Female Total
Ambitacay 10 5 15
Bail 32 27 59
Balaoc 18 17 35
Balsaan 11 17 28
Baybay 13 12 25
Cabaruan 29 16 45
Casantaan 22 23 45
Casilagan 18 12 30
Cupang 25 15 40
Damortis 20 35 55
Fernando 15 20 35
Linong 16 8 24
Lomboy 16 14 30
Malabago 9 6 15
Namboongan 10 20 30
Namonitan 28 24 52
Narvacan 9 10 19
Patac 31 29 60
Poblacion 35 25 60
Pongpong 12 13 25
Tococ 15 15 30
Raois 7 3 10
Tubod 30 25 55
Ubagan 19 19 38
Total 450 410 860

Of the 860 enrollees, six (6) were Pantawid beneficiaries wherein

three (3) were males and three (3) were females.

A Children’s month celebration was conducted last November 17,

2023 to showcase the talents of our young children in draw and tell, cultural
dance, and vocal solo because we believe that learning should not only be
confined in the four (4) corners of day care centers instead they should be
exposed to socialize themselves. Our delegates also attended the
Provincial Children’s Month celebration on November 23, 2023 wherein one
(1) of our delegates won as 4th runner up in the cultural dance. Indeed,

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

this is a manifestation that our young learners are intellectually and socially
inclined.

In addition, a Kamp Bulilit was undertaken last November 14, 2023 as

part of the Children’s Month celebration to provide a rich array of both
indoor and outdoor early learning activities. Kamp Bulilit is designed to
orient communities regarding Early Childhood Care and Development
(ECCD) programs, ensuring that everyone understands the importance of
ECCD services.

A mass moving up ceremony of the 24 barangays was undertaken

last July 7, 2023 at the municipal auditorium. A total of 729 child
development children were bestowed with special citation to recognize their
meritorious achievements for a period of 10 months and at the same time it
is the moment for them to be conferred that on the next school year they
can be accepted to another ladder of primary education. Of the 729
completers, 525 children were accepted as Kinder in various elementary
schools, both public and private for SY 2023-2024.

The covered multi-purpose auditorium at the northern part of the

Municipal Hall serves as the major venue in the conduct of various sports
activities during fiestas, tournament and intramurals. Even during the
scorching heat of the sun and stormy days, the auditorium is open for
public use especially during socio-cultural activities such as Daing festival,
inaugurations, mass weddings, cultural presentations and the like. All
barangays have basketball courts as well as multi-purpose pavements that
also serve as barangay plazas where barangay sports activities and other
social gatherings are held.

The tourism industry becomes one of the booming industries in the

municipality. This is in support with the vision of the Province of La Union
to become the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025. Santo
Tomas is very strong in terms of agriculture and religious or faith tourism.
The sixth “Sanglad” festival that re-enacted the arrival of the miraculous
statue of Nuestra Señora Virgen del Mar Cautiva with the sailboat Matutina
from Bolinao, Pangasinan via West Philippine Sea to the shores of Santo
Tomas (from Barangay Raois to Barangay Poblacion) on July 19, 1845 was
truly a success. A thanksgiving mass was held on July 19, 2023 at the Holy
Guardian Angel Parish Church and in Sitio Barraca, Poblacion, respectively.

Strong support to the “Sanglad” festival was manifested by declaring

July 19 as a special non-working holiday in the entire municipality. The
municipal government also hanged tarpaulins along the national highway
and boulevard for the locale to be more familiar with this significant event.

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Aside from those notable activities, the municipal government is

strictly implementing General Ordinance No.1-2010 or An Ordinance
Regulating the Operation of Computer Shops, Videogames, Videokes,
Internet Cafes and Other Similar Businesses in the Municipality of Santo
Tomas, La Union”, in order not to allow students to enter or conduct activity
such as research, surf, chat, e-mail or other related activities during school
hours as provided for in DepEd Order No. 86, s. 2010 except when
declared as no classes. It is also provided in the ordinance that the
Barangay Council may utilized the Tanod to monitor the establishments to
ensure that pornographic and violent materials not viewed by minors.

The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council through

the able representation of Representative Sandra Y. Eriguel has included
Santo Tomas as one of the beneficiaries of their program which is the
establishment of a National Child Development Centers (NCDCs). The
NCDC will serve as a national laboratory facility in order to expand public
ECCD programs in every city/municipality. Aside from the NCDC structure,
the program also provides contents such as furniture and fixtures,
manipulative learning materials, storybooks, arts and craft materials,
musical instruments, toys, hygiene, toilet and bath kits and equipment as
well as capacity building program for the Child Development Teacher (CDT)
or service provider who will man the NCDC.

At present, the functional NCDC building in Barangay Poblacion is

now the model facility in the LGU and considered as center of ECCD
education which caters children aged 3 to 4.11 years old.

Linggo ng Kabataan is conducted annually in the barangay, municipal

and provincial level as provided for under Sec. 33 of R.A 10642 or the SK
Reform Act of 2015. In celebration of the Linggo ng Kabataan on August
23-25, 2023, a Youth Camp Year 2 was held at the municipal auditorium in
Barangay Patac. This activity was participated in by 70 out of school youth,
various youth organizations and other youth leaders. During the camp, a
symposium was undertaken and among the topics discussed include
Mental Health Awareness; Proposal and Budget Making; Anti-Drug Abuse;
Solid Waste Management; Basic Fire Fighting, Disaster Preparedness, First
Aid and Basic Life Support, and Livelihood Training.

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

SPECIAL PROTECTION MEASURES

Public safety is public duty. Even child has the right to be safer in all
aspects of his development. A total of 66 crimes were recorded in the year
2023 compared to 2022 with 61 crimes. There is an increase of 8.2% in
the total number crime incidents in 2023.

Under the road hazard prevention program, traffic signages along the
stretch of the national highway of Barangays Patac and Damortis were
installed to initiate preventive and proactive measures to safeguard the
lives of the motorists and pedestrians traversing the motorways of the
municipality.

No child labor cases reported in the municipality in the year 2023.

Moreover, three (3) cases against children were recorded in CY 2023.

The LGU thru the MSWDO had extended financial and technical assistance
to the victims during the processing of case against the defendant.
Psycho-social intervention was done to ensure that the family of the victim
can cope up with the trauma.

Total Number of Children Who Were Victims of Violence, etc. by Sex

CY 2023
Case By Sex Total
Male Female
Rape 0 3 3
Total 0 3 3

Due to the continuous conduct of IEC on the rights of women and

children, they became aware of their rights. As a result, the children who
were victims of violence/abused come up in the open to fight for their rights.

Three hundred eight (308) Barangay Tanods (BTs)/Barangay

Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) were trained on Police Intervention
Technique primarily focused on handling public disturbances. The
community and volunteers are helping each other to maintain peace and
order in their respective communities.

The ECCD workers as well as the educators of the primary and

secondary schools were oriented on Republic Act No. 9262 or the Violence
Against Women and Children, R.A. No. 7610 and R.A. No. 8353 (Anti-Rape
Law). Various collateral materials were distributed to all levels of education.
Symposium was also done during the general parent-teachers association
meetings.
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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

The youth is the hope of the fatherland. In order to protect them from
any vices, the Sangguniang Bayan formulated an ordinance to curb illegal
drugs and other substances. The Municipal Ordinance No. 6-2017 is an
ordinance enjoining the 24 barangays to strengthen their illegal drug
awareness programs and activities in order to curb illegal drug activities in
the municipality. The barangay being the first line of defense are duty
bound to perform their roles to support overall government efforts to curtail
the proliferation of illegal drugs and other substances in their community.

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 CY 2024 Local State of Children Report

ANNEXES

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