Rep. Arjo Atayde turns emotional during his first State of the District Address (SODA) in Quezon City District 1
In a heartfelt and 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 he took 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 Atayde as he detailed the impact of his office’s initiatives in employment, education, health, youth development, disaster response, and infrastructure.
In his speech, the young lawmaker emphasized that beyond projects and numbers, the real heart of Aksyon Agad lies in the people it has uplifted.
“Projects or numbers are not at the core of Aksyon Agad, kundi ang bawat taong natulungan at bawat pamilyang naiangat.”
Key Accomplishments
Atayde highlighted several accomplishments from his programs, including:
• 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 per 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
Atayde assured his constituents that every peso allocated to the district is spent efficiently.
“Sa bawat pisong inilalaan ng gobyerno para sa ating distrito, sinisigurado nating walang nasasayang—lahat ay napupunta sa programang direktang makakatulong sa inyo.”
He also stressed that public service is not about grand gestures or mere words but about swift, effective, and genuine action.
“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.”
Focus on Education and Youth Development
Atayde underscored the district’s commitment to education and youth development.
“Sa pamamagitan ng CHED Educational Assistance, 4,598 mag-aaral ang nabigyan ng suporta para maipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral,” he shared, adding that a total of ₱2,817,000.00 in cash allowances was also distributed to 929 senior high school students under the Tulong Eskwela Program.
The Aksyon Agad Sports Program also played a vital role in youth engagement and development, supporting 987 young athletes. The Inter-Barangay Youth Program and Council League, which was launched during his first term, has 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,” he announced.
A Heartfelt Conclusion
As he closed his SODA, Atayde turned emotional, expressing gratitude to his wife, Maine Mendoza-Atayde, and his family for their unwavering support. He also thanked his constituents, vowing never to take their trust for granted.
Atayde received a standing ovation after delivering his speech.
“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.”
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