Makati hits Taguig over closure of ‘embo’ daycare centers

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Makati yesterday slammed Taguig for shifting the blame over the closure of daycare centers in the 10 enlisted men’s barrio or “embo” barangays.

Taguig earlier claimed that Makati closed without prior notice the daycare centers in the “embo” barangays.

In a statement, Makati administrator Claro Certez said Taguig officials had enough time to prepare as they had been informed about the closure.

“First, we would like to point out that we had extended until Jan. 31 our daycare services, which were supposedly until Dec. 31, 2023 only,” Certeza said.

“Taguig had more than enough time to establish new daycare centers in the ‘embo’ barangays, yet they failed to take action. Now, they are blaming Makati for their incompetence,” he added.

Certeza also pointed out that Taguig violated the memorandum of agreement both cities signed with the Department of Education (DepEd) when Taguig “hastily set up daycare centers in public schools.”

Taguig recently announced that daycare centers in the “embo” barangays had been temporarily assigned to nearby public elementary schools.

He said that the move was “questionable” as daycare centers are not within the purview of DepEd.

Certeza urged Taguig officials, led by Mayor Lani Cayetano, to “stop blaming Makati and instead own up to their lack of foresight and preparation.”

“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,” Certeza said.

“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 added.

Following the 2021 and 2023 decisions of the Supreme Court, the jurisdiction of the 10 “embo” barangays, previously under Makati, has been transferred to Taguig.

These are Barangays Cembo, South Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, Pembo, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside, Post Proper Southside and Rizal.