Mayor Honey calls on parents, guardians to support 'BIBA' program

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna- Pangan called on the parents and guardians on Sunday, Nov. 12, to help the city government in implementing its program dubbed “Wag maging BIBA” or "Batang Ina, Batang Ama."

The BIBA program was launched by the Manila Health Department (MHD) headed by Dr. Arnold 'Poks' Pangan aiming to provide lectures on reproductive health among minors.

Pangan, in his report to the mayor, noted the number of unwanted pregnancies among teenagers and the need in educating them, and their parents and guardians to prevent them from happening.

The mayor also asked the public to support the local government's “Walang Batang Bungi Pagdating ng 2030."

The project involves putting braces on indigent children who have different types of teeth problems but cannot afford to see a dentist, and pay for their braces.

Lacuna-Pangan also cited other programs for children in Manila such as  distribution of reading glasses, free uniforms, bags, school supplies and cash assistance.

She said the city government was able to distribute educational cash assistance to 1,880 indigent students and capital assistance for over 2,000 parents of indigent children.

Through the assistance of the Division of City Schools Manila, the city was also able to provide free uniforms, bags and school supplies to a total of 165,775 students.

The Manila City Library (MCL), she said, continuous to provide free use of computers and wifi in the city's public libraries.

It also conducts Digital Literacy Program, library orientation, tutorial services, art sessions, educational film showing, puppet show, recreational games, story telling and mobile library.