The local government of Navotas City has implemented various programs and services specifically designed to support and benefit the youth in the city.
All the programs were held in November as part of Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco's 51st birthday celebration on Nov. 21.
Tiangco has officially signed a memorandum of agreement, extending scholarships to 21 new recipients under the NavotaAs Scholarship Program for the upcoming school year, 2023-2024.
According to the Navotas City Public Office (PIO), there were six students who met the criteria for the Ulirang Pamilyang Mangingisda Scholarship, which is exclusively available to family members of registered fisherfolk.
These students earned eligibility through the achievement of their family members who were recognized winners in the annual search for the Top 10 Most Outstanding Fisherfolk.
Meanwhile, 15 student artists were granted scholarships after they underwent a thorough selection process conducted by specialized screening committees representing five artistic disciplines: visual arts, music, dance, theater arts, and creative writing.
The city government also welcomed the 317 technical and vocational newly graduates from Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment (NAVOTAAS) Institute and TESDA-Navotas Training Institute.
There are 13 individuals who successfully finished the Automotive Servicing National Certificate (NC) I program, while 21 others completed the Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II.
In addition, 26 students finished the Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II program, while 25 completed the Japanese and Basic Korean language and culture.
Sixty-five trainees finished the Bread and Pastry Production NC II, 22 completed the Barista NC II. At the same time, 21 completed the Food and Beverage Services NC II program, and 26 completed the Housekeeping course.
Fifty-nine trainees finished the Refrigerator and Aircon Servicing (DOMRAC) NC II, Driving NC II, and Produce Organic Concoctions and Extracts programs.
The Public Information Office (PIO) said that the city mayor personally spearheaded the distribution of smart TVs and electric fans to the city's public elementary and high schools.
The city government, through the NavotaAs Hanapbuhay Center in coordination with the Schools Division Office-Navotas, has launched the One School, One Product Program (OSOP).
OSOP is a livelihood initiative that enables senior high school students to cultivate entrepreneurship skills while generating income.
Through this program, students create marketable products that showcase the city's local resources and serve as a means of economic empowerment for them.
The entries in the program included various innovative products developed by different schools. These are Spanish Style Tahong and Vegetable Nuggets from Navotas National High School; Bidbid Eomuk or fish cake from Tangos National High School; Pansit ng Navotas from San Roque National High School; Corn Cob Cookies from Filemon T. Lizan Senior High School; Post Cards of Navotas Heritage Sites, Kaunlaran High School; NavoRoll, Bangkulasi Senior High School; Pickled Vegetables, Tanza National High School; and Seafood Delights from San Rafael Technological and Vocational High School.
According to the PIO, the schools will display their products at the upcoming Christmas Bazaar at Navotas City Walk and Amphitheater on Nov. 23 to 25 and 30, Dec. 1 to 2, and 7 to 9.
Tiangco expressed its commitment to offering Navoteño students top-notch education and creating avenues for them to secure a bright future.
"Education remains to be one of our top priorities. We aim to provide Navoteño students with the highest quality of education and open opportunities for them to have the best future," Tiangco said.
Moreover, the City Health Office has partnered with the Philippine National Red Cross to organize an HPV Caravan to raise awareness about cervical cancer.
Girls from Navotas, aged nine, were administered vaccines to protect them against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a known cause of specific cancers, particularly cervical cancer.
Individuals who participated in the event were also provided complimentary medications and hygiene kits.
Additionally, women from Navotas, aged 30 to 49, took advantage of the free HPV screening available during the event.
Lastly, 75 profiled Navoteño child laborers received early Christmas gifts through Project Angel Tree.
According to PIO, the the beneficiaries received gift packs, grocery bags, and school supplies from the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program. It is a joint effort of the Department of Labor and Employment, the Public Employment Service Office – Navotas, the Navotas Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, and several private companies in the city.
"Navoteño children deserve nothing but the best. Our goal is to make services and programs more accessible for every child to live a happy and healthy life," Tiangco said.