MAKATI CITY — The first Monday of October carries a special meaning across the Philippines as the nation observes Universal Children’s Day, a tradition established under Proclamation No. 265 in 1967 to promote the welfare, rights, and well-being of children. In Makati, this year’s observance resonates deeply with the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every young Makatizen grows up safe, healthy, and supported. The day serves as both a celebration of childhood and a reminder of the collective responsibility to listen to children, guide them with care, and create spaces where they can learn, grow, and dream without fear. It also highlights how a city’s commitment to its youngest residents shapes the kind of future it builds for everyone.
A City That Puts Children at the Center of Governance
Makati’s dedication to child welfare is not limited to a single day of recognition. Earlier this year, the city achieved the Ideal Functionality rating in the 2026 Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) Functionality Assessment for Performance Year 2025, the highest distinction given to local government units for child protection and welfare programs. This recognition reflects Makati’s comprehensive approach, which includes organizational sustainability, clear policies and plans for children, dedicated budget allocation, and rigorous monitoring of service delivery. The assessment was conducted by a multi-agency task force composed of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and other national agencies, underscoring the seriousness with which Makati treats its obligations to its youngest residents.
Nutrition and Education as Foundations for Growth
Makati understands that a child’s ability to thrive begins with access to proper nutrition and quality education. The city government has implemented a broad student welfare program that provides monthly rice subsidies to learners from daycare to Grade 12, covering over 34,000 students across the Makati Schools Division. Under City Ordinance No. 2025-A-024, each student receives five kilograms of rice monthly for ten months of the school year, alongside cash incentives distributed through vouchers. Additionally, the Healthy Baon program provides students with balanced meals or pastry sets on alternating weeks, ensuring that no child has to learn on an empty stomach. These initiatives reflect a simple but powerful principle: when children are well-nourished and cared for, they are better equipped to focus, participate, and succeed in school.
Beyond nutrition, Makati has invested in early childhood care and development as a cornerstone of its educational strategy. The city’s Pre-Kindergarten program, designed for four- and five-year-olds not yet eligible for Kindergarten, provides young learners with kits, modules, and offline learning tools to help them build foundational skills before entering formal schooling. Research conducted in Makati City has shown that students with pre-kindergarten experience demonstrate superior readiness in academic preparedness, social interaction, and emotional regulation, with advantages that persist throughout the academic year. These findings affirm the value of the city’s early intervention efforts and its commitment to reducing educational disparities from the very start of a child’s learning journey.
Why Listening to Children Matters Every Day
Universal Children’s Day is ultimately a call to action. It asks parents, teachers, community leaders, and government officials to remember that children are not passive recipients of services but active participants in their own development. Listening to them, respecting their voices, and giving them the space to express their hopes and concerns are essential to building a society that truly values its young. In Makati, the city’s programs are designed not only to meet basic needs but to create an environment where children feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. Caring for children today is, in the truest sense, building a better tomorrow for everyone.
