MANOLO FORTICH HIGHLIGHTS CHILD INITIATIVES IN 2025 STATE OF THE CHILDREN ADDRESS

No child left behind at Manolo Fortich in 2025 State of the Children Address and Children's Month

Manolo Fortich reaffirmed its commitment to developing new programs and strengthening existing initiatives for children to meet their evolving needs, as highlighted in the 2025 State of the Children Address (SOCA). The address was delivered by Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr., representing Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, on November 26, 2025, at the Municipal Gymnasium, Manolo Fortich.

State of the Children Address

Vice Mayor Bagayas emphasized the local government’s proactive efforts in addressing the rising cases of Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) in Manolo Fortich. Upholding children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation remains at the core of the LGU’s priorities.

Key initiatives highlighted include:

Access to free healthcare and nutrition,
Expanded opportunities for education and career development,
Strengthened policies and laws for safety and protection, and
Increased involvement of children in participatory programs.

These efforts are implemented in close collaboration with the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, and various partner offices and agencies.

“This is not an accomplishment exclusive to the local government or by Mayor Quiño, kung dili, this is a collaborative and combined accomplishment sa tanang tao involved, and most especially sa atong BCPC,” says Vice Mayor Bagayas.

Response to the State of the Children Address

Newly elected Religious Sector Child Representative Jolia Qrst Capacite delivered the response to the SOCA, expressing gratitude and reassurance for the initiatives in place, “Ang pagpaminaw karong adlawa sa mga nahimo sa LGU Manolo Fortich naghatag kanamo og pagbati nga luwas kami sa atong komunidad ug naghatag og dakong paglaum alang sa among kaugmaon.”

Culmination of the Children’s Month Celebration

The Municipality of Manolo Fortich culminated its Children’s Month Celebration at the Municipal Gymnasium. One of the major highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance national award—marking the municipality’s fourth consecutive win since 2022.

Vice Mayor Bagayas also led the oath-taking of the newly elected municipal child representatives and the newly reconstituted LCPC members, with Committee Chairperson on Women, Children, Family Relations & Gender Equality, Councilor Joy L. Cordovez, serving as council lead.

Newly Elected Municipal Child Representatives

Kian Cedrick C. Armodia C – Male Academe Representative
Jerzzil Mhae P. Magtajas – Female Academe Representative
Xian Robert M. Mandar – IP Male Representative
Hannah Mich C. Cat-awan – IP Female Representative
Jolia Qrst G. Capacite – Religious Sector Representative

No Child Left Behind

The Children’s Month Celebration underscored the vital role of children in community development—where they are protected, guided, valued, and empowered to take on their future roles.

Vice Mayor Bagayas concluded with a reminder of the LGU’s unwavering dedication, “Sila mao ang kasing-kasing sa atong komunidad ug ang paglaum sa umaabot. Ang usa ka lig-on nga lungsod nagsugod sa lig-on nga kabataan. Padayon kitang maghiusa sa pag paningkamot nga walay bata mabiyaan sa Manolo Fortich.”