Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval called for stronger cooperation among schools, barangays, health workers, government agencies, and partner organizations to protect the health and welfare of the city’s youth and workers.
Sandoval made the call as she led the distribution of the Malabon Kabataan One Network for Empowerment and Kalusugan (KONEK) Manual, along with the signing of the Commitment Letter and Commitment Wall for the Healthy Workplaces Initiative, during the city government’s flag-raising ceremony at the Malabon City Hall lobby on Monday, June 15.
The mayor said the health and welfare of young residents should not be left to chance, stressing the need for a coordinated system that will allow concerned offices and organizations to respond faster and more effectively to their needs.
The Malabon KONEK Manual, formally known as the Integrated Information Service Delivery Network for Adolescent Health and Development Manual of Referral, will serve as a guide for local government departments, national government agencies, schools, barangays, health facilities, and partner organizations in coordinating adolescent health and development services.
The city government said the manual seeks to make referral services for young residents more organized, responsive, and accessible.
Sandoval also emphasized the importance of protecting the health of workers, saying a stronger city begins with healthy people.
She said the strength of a city is not measured by the size of its buildings or the number of projects completed, but by the condition of the people who make up the community.
The mayor added that healthy workers help build stronger families, stronger families create more resilient communities, and resilient communities make the city stronger.
The Healthy Workplaces Initiative, spearheaded by the City Health Department-Health Education and Promotion Section, aims to promote safe, supportive, and wellness-oriented work environments for city employees, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
The Commitment Letter symbolizes the city government’s dedication to workplace wellness, while the Commitment Wall reflects the support of participating agencies and organizations.
City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete said investing in the health of employees and young residents is also an investment in Malabon’s future.
He said a healthy community and workforce help make public service more effective and contribute to the faster development of the city.
The KONEK program was initially launched at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in December 2025 as part of the city’s continuing health and development initiatives for students.
The event was attended by Department of Health (DOH) representatives Jomark Thom Agno and Reginald Santiago, city department heads, and representatives from partner agencies and organizations.