Seventy-six Day Care workers here have thanked Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. for his genuine efforts to uplift the day care education amidst the pandemic.

Alma Sinamban, President of the Angeles City Day Care Workers Federation who is on her 34th year as Day Care worker, said that just like his father, Mayor Carmelo “Tarzan” Lazatin, the younger Lazatin is actively helping the city’s Day Care centers.

“Nagmana po si Mayor Pogi sa Tatay niya, very supportive sa aming mga Day Care workers,” Sinamban said.

“Kahit walang face to face classes, ang pag-improve sa day care centers para maging prepared para sa pagbukas ng klase ay walang humpay,” she added.

Sinamban even recalled that during his stint as councilor, Mayor Lazatin was instrumental in the development of the Day Care centers, even citing the local chief executive for remembering them on their natal days by giving them birthday cakes.

“Councilor pa lamang po si Mayor Lazatin noon, sumusuporta na siya sa aming mga programa at activities. At hindi niya po kami nakakalimutan na batiin at bigyan ng cake tuwing birthday po namin,” she shared.

Further, among the assistance carried out by Mayor Lazatin are the provision of P1,000 salary raise starting this 2021; 76 air conditioning units distributed in each center last January; 76 electric fans given on March 2020; and the allotted P5-million fund for the repair and rehabilitation of the centers.

These projects and assistance undertaken by Mayor Lazatin, Sinamban said, are in preparation for face-to-face classes.

According to Sta. Trinidad day care teacher Corazon Ruiz, this would be a great help to the children to be in a conducive learning environment.

“Malaking tulong po, hindi lang para sa aming mga Day Care workers, pero lalong lao na po para sa mga bata lalo na at nagkapandemic,” Ruiz said.

“Palagi po kaming nandyan sa inyong priority list. Thank you po Mayor, CSWDO Chief Edna Duaso, and to Chief Adviser IC Calaguas and Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel,” Marites Guevarra of Anunas added.

The 76 Day Care centers used to accept 15 to 25 students per class in the morning and afternoon before the pandemic, Sinamban told.

Ma. Lyn Pangilinan of Cuayan said the necessary aid given to the centers have made the centers more equipped thus will help the children be more comfortable in the classroom.

“Deng pung binie yung saup para pu maging komportabli la pu kabilyan reng anak a magaral keng Day Care center, dakal pung salamat,” Pangilinan added.

“Napakalaking tulong po nito sa mga bata, magiging maginhawa na po ang kanilang pakiramdam, hindi na po mainit sa loob ng center,” Agnes Cunanan of Sto. Domingo 3 Villa Leoncia.

This overwhelming support, according to Mandy Laxamana of Lourdes Sur East, is an inspiration for them to be very dedicated and committed in their tasks.

“We, the Day Care workers, are very dedicated and committed to our given tasks, dahil sa walang sawang pagtulong sa amin ng pamunuan ni Mayor Lazatin at lalo na sa mga batang nasa ilalim ng aming pagaaruga,” Laxamana said.

The 76 Day Care workers also thanked Mayor Lazatin for pushing the P1,000 additional raise in their salaries.

“Hindi ninyo kami po pinapabayaan. Lagi po kayong may panahon sa amin. Katunayan po nito ang mga programang ipinagkakaloob ninyo para sa mga Day Care workers,” Cunanan furthered.

These workers are also serving as frontliners in the two mega vaccination sites of the city government.

Moreover, here are also some of the messages from the Day Care workers.