The City of Taguig welcomed a 63-member delegation from Torrijos, Marinduque, on October 8, 2026, for a benchmarking visit highlighting the city's social welfare programs for children, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. Organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the visit gave the delegation an opportunity to learn about Taguig's community-based services, early childhood education programs, specialized support facilities, and health and wellness initiatives. The exchange also opened opportunities for the two local government units to share experiences and explore practices that may benefit their respective communities.
Exploring Taguig's Early Childhood Education Programs
The delegation began its visit with a program at the Taguig LEAP Center, where CSWDO Head Nikki Rose Operario welcomed the visitors on behalf of Mayor Lani Cayetano.
During the presentation, Early Childhood Care and Development focal person Edna Tayoni discussed Taguig's approach to early childhood education and the management of its Child Development Centers. Delegates also participated in an open forum, asking questions about the city's programs and discussing how similar practices could be adapted in Torrijos.
At the Pinagsama Child Development Center, visitors toured classrooms equipped with smart televisions, play areas, bookshelves, and other learning materials. They also observed a teaching demonstration showing how these resources can make lessons more interactive and engaging for young learners. The visit highlighted how structured early learning programs and appropriate classroom resources can support children's development and create enriching learning environments.
Showcasing Support for Children With Disabilities and Senior Citizens
The delegation also visited the Taguig Yakap Center, where Director Zarah Claire Cuenca introduced the center's programs and services for children with disabilities. Visitors explored its sensory and therapy rooms, early intervention classrooms, speech and occupational therapy areas, and adaptive learning spaces. The tour provided a closer look at how different specialists work together to support children's development, independence, and overall well-being. At the Taguig Center for the Elderly, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs Head Ramonita “Lola Nitz” Jordan presented the city's health, wellness, and social programs for older residents. Delegates toured facilities that included a therapy pool, fitness and wellness areas, a sauna, a massage room, a multipurpose hall, a cinema, and a rooftop garden. The visits demonstrated how Taguig's social welfare facilities cater to people at different stages of life, with services designed around their specific needs.
Strengthening Cooperation Between Local Governments
The benchmarking activity provided an opportunity for officials from Torrijos to observe Taguig's programs and consider how relevant practices could be adopted in their municipality. Torrijos Liga ng mga Barangay Vice President and Ex-Officio Member Ronulfo R. Del Mundo Jr. led the delegation, accompanied by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office Head Mary Anne Larracas, Social Welfare Assistant James Christian Rodil, and Social Welfare Officer Krystal Gael Hernandez. Del Mundo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn from Taguig's initiatives and shared plans to bring lessons from the visit back to their local government. The exchange also emphasized the value of benchmarking visits in helping local governments learn from one another and improve public services.
Through the visit, Taguig highlighted its efforts to provide services for children, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens while encouraging knowledge-sharing among local government units. The collaboration underscores how exchanging experiences and practical approaches can help communities strengthen their own social welfare programs.
