On November 4, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan delivered her State of the Children’s Address as part of the celebration of the 32nd National Children’s Month, which carries the theme “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.”
In her speech, Lacuna emphasized several initiatives by the Manila Office aimed at safeguarding the city’s children. These initiatives include monthly financial allowances for children with disabilities, the enrollment of 26,500 children in 474 childhood development centers, and ongoing support for 1,800 child abuse victims who have been rescued and are receiving guidance from the Manila Department of Social Welfare.
On October 28, Manila was recognized for its exemplary functionality of the Local Council for the Protection of Children, an institutional mechanism that advocates for child rights, provides interventions, and monitors children’s programs across Local Government Units in the Philippines.
She noted that this recognition should motivate the expansion of the Manila Office’s programs and reinforce its dedication to protecting the city’s children.