Sagay City boosts child welfare after Typhoon Tino

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The disruption caused by Typhoon Tino on the lives of Sagay City’s children—uprooting families, interrupting schooling, and threatening their sense of safety—took center stage as Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva delivered his State of the Children’s Address during the National Children’s Month celebration at Balay Kauswagan on Dec. 16.

Cueva said the typhoon tested the city’s resilience, particularly among its youngest residents, but stressed that Sagay ensured no child was left behind in health, protection, and education amid ongoing recovery efforts.

Cueva’s State of the City Address was posted on the official social media page of the local government unit Thursday, Dec. 17, 2025.

“Our commitment to the children of Sagay remains stronger than any storm we face,” the mayor said.

He said consistent and compassionate investment in children remains a core pillar of his administration as the city continues rehabilitation and long-term recovery following the disaster.

In health and nutrition, Cueva reported that 4,071 children benefited from the city’s supplementary feeding program last school year with full nutritional improvement.

He said 3,071 preschoolers are currently being served across all barangays.

“These numbers are not just statistics; they represent healthier children growing with dignity,” he said.

Cueva cited Operation Timbang data showing 98.12% of weighed children had normal weight-for-age.

He said 99.38% had normal weight-for-height, results he attributed to sustained early childhood interventions.

Cueva added that 6,612 gallons of fresh milk were distributed to support feeding programs of the Department of Education, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, barangays, and partner agencies.

On education, Cueva highlighted programs that continued despite weather disruptions, including the E-SMILE Program, which reached more than 30,000 learners in mathematics.

He said the Re-READS Program served more than 27,000 children needing reading intervention.

Cueva also cited the CUEVA ALS Program, which assisted 657 out-of-school youth and adults.

He pointed to science and technology initiatives under DROIDS 21 aimed at preparing learners for 21st-century skills.

The mayor said Sagay allocated PHP 35.5 million under the Special Education Fund for 2025 to support school repairs, utilities, sports development, learning equipment, and the construction of new classrooms in several public schools.

On child protection, Cueva underscored strengthened peace and order initiatives, including Project Eskwela of the Sagay City Police Station.

He also cited the Women and Children Protection Desk programs and services of the Sagay City Youth Development Center for children at risk and those in conflict with the law.

“We cannot protect children only in classrooms and streets; we must also protect them online,” Cueva said, referring to the city’s intensified response against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Rep. Alfredo D. Marañon III, of the 2nd District of Negros Occidental, in a message delivered by Provincial Board Member Arthur Christopher Marañon, challenged the city to sustain programs anchored on children’s survival, development, protection, and participation rights.

“The responsibility is upon us to ensure that every child has access to healthcare, education, and opportunities to thrive,” Marañon said.

Student representative Marianne Talaver accepted the challenge on behalf of the Kabataang Sagaynon, saying young people are ready to take part in leadership and community-building.

“We are ready to rise to the occasion and show that leadership depends on commitment and heart, not age,” Talaver said.

During the program, about 294 Sagaynon students were recognized as this year’s Bulahang Batang Sagaynon for achievements and positive contributions to their schools and communities.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Henrik M. Ollano said the city’s child protection initiatives are strengthened through close coordination among families, schools, barangays, and partner agencies.

Cueva closed his address by calling for unity among parents, teachers, barangay officials, and partners to ensure that every Sagaynon child is protected, heard, and given the opportunity to succeed.