In a comprehensive State of the District Address (SODA) delivered on Monday at the Skydome in SM North, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde reported that more than 400,000 individuals have directly benefited from his signature “Aksyon Agad” programs since taking office in 2022.
“Sa ilalim ng Aksyon Agad, naisakatuparan natin ang mga programang may direktang epekto sa pang-araw-araw na buhay ng ating mga mamamayan,” said the lawmaker, as he detailed the impact of his office’s initiatives in employment, education, health, youth development, disaster response, and infrastructure.
In his speech, Atayde emphasized that “projects or numbers are not at the core of Aksyon Agad, kundi ang bawat taong natulungan at bawat pamilyang naiangat.”
Among the key accomplishments he highlighted were the following:
– 11,498 workers assisted through the TUPAD emergency employment program
– 1,500 applicants connected to overseas jobs through the Taiwan Job Fair
– 1,100 residents trained under TESDA and other livelihood initiatives
– 245 small entrepreneurs supported with ₱15,000 in capital via the Sustainable Livelihood Program
– 60 dialysis patients a day receiving free treatment at the district’s new facility
– 75,466 individuals provided with medical assistance
– 4,598 students receiving CHED educational aid, and 1,410 scholars supported under Tulong Dunong and SMART
– 132,567 families benefiting from the Rice Distribution Program
– 65,300 residents receiving free meals through Kusina on Wheels
– 64,000 families given Pamaskong Handog during the holiday season
– 7,789 families aided after fires and 3,501 families provided with burial assistance
– 40,684 individuals extended financial assistance for various needs
According to Atayde, “sa bawat pisong inilalaan ng gobyerno para sa ating distrito, sinisigurado nating walang nasasayang—lahat ay napupunta sa programang direktang makakatulong sa inyo.”
“Public service is not about grand gestures or sweet words—ito ay ang mabilis, epektibo, at tunay na pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng tao… Projects or numbers are not at the core of Aksyon Agad, kundi ang bawat taong natulungan at bawat pamilyang naiangat.”
On education and youth development, he shared that “sa pamamagitan ng CHED Educational Assistance, 4,598 mag-aaral ang nabigyan ng suporta para maipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral” while “a total of ₱2,817,000.00 in cash allowance ang naipamahagi sa 929 senior high school students sa ilalim ng Tulong Eskwela Program.”
The young legislator also pointed out the important role of sports development as he revealed that the Aksyon Agad Sports Program supported 987 young athletes, while the Inter-Barangay Youth Program and Council League that was launched during his first term was expanded to foster unity and discipline.
“Next year, the program will expand to include badminton, chess, darts, and bowling—giving more residents the opportunity to participate and strengthen community ties,” said Atayde.
Atayde closed the SODA by thanking his wife, Maine, as well as his family, for their support. He also extended his gratitude to his constituents, and said that he would never take their trust for granted.
“Wala po ako rito kung hindi dahil sa inyong tiwala—isang tiwalang hindi ko kailanman ipagwawalang-bahala. Sa bawat araw na lumilipas, patuloy kong pinagsisikapan na patunayan na karapat-dapat ako sa pagkakataong ibinigay ninyo sa akin… Maraming, maraming salamat, Distrito Uno! Thank you for believing in me; I won’t let you down.”
