Makati claims it provided ample time for Taguig to establish their own day care centers in the EMBO (enlisted men's barrio) barangays, however, Taguig failed to take action, according to Makati City Administrator Atty. Claro Certeza.
Certeza criticized the Taguig city government's blaming of Makati for what he deems to be Taguig's own shortcomings.
"First, we would like to point out that we had already extended our day care services until January 31, which were supposedly until December 31, 2023 only. Taguig had more than enough time to establish new day care centers in the EMBO barangays, yet they failed to take action. Now, they are blaming Makati for their incompetence," stated Certeza.
Certeza mentioned that Taguig was informed before December 31 of last year about the closure of the day care centers, suggesting that they should have already set up new centers and hired day care teachers.
"Instead, they have hastily set up day care centers in public schools, which is a questionable move because day care services are not within the purview of the Department of Education (DepEd). This is a clear violation of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) we entered into with DepEd," Certeza added.
Since the Supreme Court's decision regarding the jurisdiction of the EMBO barangays favored Taguig, Certeza stated that the said city government assured they could provide the basic services stated by law.
"We urge them to stop playing with people's emotions and instead focus their energy and resources on meeting the basic needs of their new constituents. They should match their words with tangible actions and ensure that all the gaps are promptly filled, and no one falls through the cracks. For the sake of the citizens of the EMBO barangays, we urge the leaders of Taguig to get their act together and move forward," he further said.
In response, Taguig promptly set up temporary day care centers in elementary schools in the EMBO barangays to ensure continuity of services when the children return to the centers on February 5.
