“Because here in Pasay City, no child is left behind.”

— Hon. Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, City Mayor

 

Pasay City reaffirmed its commitment to promoting child welfare and protection through the 23rd State of the City Children’s Address (SOCCA) held at the Cuneta Astrodome on November 17, 2025. In line with this year’s National Children’s Month theme, “WAKASAN: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, the annual gathering brought together youth delegates, educators, and government leaders to recognize the city’s efforts in safeguarding children’s rights and strengthening youth development programs.

 

Delegations from various schools—including Pasay City National Science High School, Pasay City West High School, Timoteo Paez Elementary School, and the Philippine School for the Deaf—were in attendance. Pasay Science was represented by the Supreme Secondary Learners’ Government (SSLG), the Campus Integrity Crusaders (CIC), and learners from Grade 11 – Gomez.

 

The program opened with a cultural showcase from the Performing Arts Department of Pasay City West High School and the Ballet Opera of Timoteo Paez Elementary School, featuring folk dances, choral pieces, instrumental presentations, dance sports, and contemporary routines. This was followed by the entrance of colors, the singing of the national anthem, a multi-cultural prayer, and the Pasay Hymn, formally beginning the ceremony.

 

The Pasay News anchors—Marian De Paula, Frank Marasigan, and Marie Madanlo—were then introduced as the supervising hosts of the afternoon, guiding the sequence of presentations and facilitating the creative Q&A format of this year’s SOCCA. Adding to the excitement of the event, Alexis Dela Cruz, a student from Don Carlos Village Elementary School and the champion of the Midround Competition of Idol Philippines 2025, performed a special number, showcasing his talent and inspiring his fellow delegates.

 

Following this, Mary Cris Balictar, Head Secretariat of the Pasay City Council for the Welfare of Children (PCCWC), delivered an opening message stressing the value of unified community action in protecting children’s rights. She was succeeded by Congressman Antonino “Tony” Calixto, who highlighted ongoing legislative and citywide efforts dedicated to supporting families and empowering young learners.

 

Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano then delivered her SOCCA speech, wherein she emphasized the city’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, highlighted key initiatives in health, education, and the arts, and urged both youth and adults alike to actively support and protect the rights of Pasay’s children. Delivered in a creative Q&A format with visual slides and a video presentation, her address brought to light the achievements of the city in providing access to educational materials, health kits, feeding programs, alternative learning opportunities through the ALS, and talent development via Sining Eskwela workshops and performance arts. Her speech served not only as a report of accomplishments but also as a rallying call for continued community engagement in nurturing the next generation.

 

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates of recognition to city officials and partner agencies who played significant roles in advancing Pasay’s child-centered initiatives. A photo opportunity followed, featuring government representatives, partner departments, and the DSWD–Women and Children Division.

 

Photos by: Dexter Ogale