Makati Mayor Abigail Binay has challenged the youth to participate in the city’s continuing efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, saying their own future is at stake.
“Since it is your future that is at stake, you should do your part and cooperate with the city government. You ought to be part of the solution. Even just by observing proper waste segregation and disposal and conserving water and electricity, you can make a positive impact on the environment,” said Binay in her recent State of the Children Address (SOCHA) at the Makati Coliseum.
She urged her young constituents to emulate Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenaged environmental activist who became famous for calling out on world leaders about the worsening impact of climate change.
Binay said she declared a state of climate emergency in the city to accelerate unified action among all stakeholders—from individuals, households and barangays to the local and national governments, the business sector, and civil society.
“We need to harmonize our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and, at the same time, build resilient communities that are prepared for any calamity,” the mayor said.
In her speech, Binay reported on Makati’s accomplishments for the benefit of children. She assured them that their welfare remains a foremost consideration in decision-making and in the planning and implementation of programs and projects.
She said the city provides free pre-natal care to post-natal care for mother and baby to ensure safe pregnancy and childbirth. To date, she added, the city has distributed 3,298 Mother and Baby Kits as a reward to mothers with complete pre-natal checkup.
At the Ospital ng Makati and lying-in center, some 1,695 newborns were given free screening to identify possible congenital diseases.
The local civil registrar’s office has listed a total of 4,023 children born in Makati, which is three percent higher than last year.
The city’s vaccination program against common childhood diseases has benefited a total of 13,702 children. These included 4,320 fully immunized children, 1,440 completely immunized children, and 7,942 children ages zero to 23 months under the Chikiting Bakunation drive of the Department of Health.
Mayor Binay also reported that 48,082 youths 12 to 17 years old have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while 24,935 have been vaccinated in the 5 to 11 bracket. Some 5,821 Makatizen youth aged 12 to 17 have also received booster shots.
She said the COVID-19 vaccination of the said age groups was a big factor in the successful resumption of face-to-face classes last October. The city achieved a 100 percent enrolment rate with a total of 78,450 enrollees in the current school year.
The local government installed temperature scanners, alcohol dispensers, foot baths, UV lights, and air purifiers in public schools, which exceed the DOH safety requirements, to ensure the safety of the students. To provide added protection, the city also distributed 47,212 anti-dengue kits to Kinder up to Grade 6 students, including SPED learners. Some 20,164 hygiene kits were also distributed to Kinder up to Grade 2 students.
Binay also cited the distribution of new uniforms and bags patterned after those used by schoolchildren in Japan for comfort, style and durability. A total of 13,636 Randoseru bags was given to Grade 1 and Grade 4 students, while 85,934 students received the famous AB (Air Binay) rubber shoes, version 4.0.
Meanwhile, the city’s Social Development Center has obtained a Level 3 accreditation this year from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This is the highest rating given by the DSWD for compliance with its standards.
Recently, the Makati City Council for the Protection of Children approved the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Children’s Code of Makati.
The IRR highlights the governance, enforcement and implementation of all national and local laws, rules and regulations that pertain to the protection and care of the children in Makati. It aims to ensure that children’s rights are fully protected and respected.
Republic Act 10661 declares the month of November as National Children’s Month to raise awareness for the rights and welfare of the children in the county.