Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte presented advancements in child welfare and protection programs as she delivered her 7th State of the City’s Children Report during the culminating program for National Children’s Month held at Quezon City Science High School on Thursday, Nov. 27.

With the theme “OSAEC–CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban,” this year’s report focused on the city’s strengthened efforts to combat Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).

These issues were described as urgent threats to young QCitizens.

Belmonte highlighted a series of key accomplishments, including the reinforcement of the Quezon City Children’s Code, expansion of health and protection services, improved nutrition programs, and the increase of milk donations to the city’s human milk bank.

She also noted the continued rollout of barangay-based feeding programs, obesity prevention campaigns, and consistent anti-dengue operations involving cleanup drives, fogging, and misting.

The mayor also announced progress in youth development, such as the expansion of recreational spaces, stronger sports programs led by the Office of the Vice Mayor, and the establishment of teen health quarters and adolescent-friendly facilities.

HIV-related programs, the First Patient Encounter health assessment, and the upcoming Kabahagi Center in District 6 were also cited as major milestones.

In education, she emphasized the sustained distribution of school supplies, expansion of scholarship grants, strengthened literacy programs, and the broadened reach of the Alternative Learning System, now accessible to children with special needs.

She added that more students are joining the QC Internship Program, while projects such as the Classroom Decongestion Plan, Madrasah Education Program, and public library expansions continue to progress.

During her address, Belmonte spoke directly to the children of Quezon City, reaffirming the city’s commitment to their well-being.

“Nais natin maramdaman ng bawat batang QC na sa ating lungsod may puwang at kinabukasan kayo (We want every QC child to feel that in our city there is a place and a future for you),” she said.

“Habang ginagabayan namin kayo sa pag-aaral, binubuo rin namin ang isang lungsod na tunay na makatao at makabata (As we guide you through your studies, we are also building a city that is truly humane and child-friendly)”, she added.

The mayor reminded the children to uphold good values and responsible habits both in school and at home.

“Mag-aral ng mabuti, maging mabuti sa kapwa, tama na ang pambu-bully sa mga kaklase, tama na rin ang kaka-cellphone(Study hard, be kind to others, stop bullying your classmates, stop using your cellphone),” she said.

As part of the celebration, the city also honored outstanding barangays for their child-centered initiatives.

Barangay Culiat was named Second Runner-Up, while Barangay Sauyo earned the First Runner-Up.

Emerging as the top performer, Barangay Commonwealth received the distinction of Most Child-Friendly Barangay and a 500,000 prize.

Belmonte reaffirmed the city’s long-term commitment to youth development, saying that Quezon City’s initiatives will continue to evolve to protect and empower every child.

“Tuloy-tuloy lang ang ating paglilingkod—para sa bayan, para sa bawat kabataan (Our service continues—for the nation, for every youth),” she said.