Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano has assured her constituents she will continue the city government’s program for quality public education, scholarships and social services that will benefit children until the end of her term.
“I would like to guarantee that the support the Taguigeños have received for the last six years of my administration will not lessen, but rather will get even better within the remainder of my term,” said Cayetano during her State of the Children Address on Monday.
“Despite this is my administration’s last term, there is nothing to worry about because I will make sure that all educational programs like the LANI scholarship program will continue for the benefit of our children,” the mayor added.
Under Cayetano, the Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-need Scholarship Program or LANI was established with an initial budget of P100 million, rising to P625 million this year. As of 2015, a total of 23,304 Taguigeños, including law and medical students, have benefited from the program.
Cayetano also addressed the issue of cyber sex or child pornography in the city, saying it “has no place here in Taguig!”
Police recently rescued three children and arrested five suspects for child trafficking. The mayor reiterated her appeal for local communities to assist authorities by being vigilant and to report suspicious activities.
She also expressed grave concern at the increasing rate of teenage pregnancy and drug experimentation among the youth. The mayor urged both parents and schools to strengthen their guidance and values formation for teenagers.
Cayetano then cited her administration’s accomplishments in areas concerning children and the youth.
For the third straight year, Taguig was given the prestigious Green Banner Award by the Department of Health for the consistent decrease of malnutrition prevalence rate within the city.
Last year, Taguig-Pateros District Hospital also received the Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital citation. The city has 24/7 Super Health Centers, which provide all-day medical services.
“Under my administration, Taguig will continue to work hard on raising a community that will take care and guide the citizens’ growth,” Cayetano said.