Running for the Senate, Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Wednesday barnstormed the province of Quezon where she met with local government officials and leaders in the cities of Tayabas and Lucena.

Binay made her first stop at the New Tayabas City Hall where she was welcomed by Mayor Maria Lourdes “Lovely” Reynoso-Pontioso and other officials and employees.

She emphasized the importance of strengthening early childhood education, citing Makati’s innovative daycare program, which she believes was key to the exemplary performance of its public school students in the recent National Achievement Test (NAT).

“Our daycare program is great because this is our secret for why our scores in the National Achievement Test are high,” Binay said.

“From kindergarten, daycare, and even pre-kindergarten, we are already taking care of the children. By the time they reach Grade 3, our children are already proficient in reading and literacy,” she said.

In the 2023-2024 NAT administered to Grade 6 students, Makati’s public schools surpassed regional and national average scores across all assessment areas and subjects, according to a report by the Department of Education.

Accompanied by Mayor Reynoso-Pontioso, Binay visited Barangay Lakawan where she held an Ugnayan sa Barangay during which she reiterated her advocacy of providing free maintenance medicines, especially for senior citizens, which she intends to pursue in the Senate.

Binay was given a tour of the historic Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, a cherished landmark of the city.

In Lucena City, Binay met with Mayor Mark Don Alcala and Vice Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala at Lucena City Hall, where they discussed Makati’s digital initiatives.

At a lunch meeting with Rep. Mark Enverga, Binay said she will push for the provision of quality medicines to those in need, including maintenance medicines for hypertension and diabetes, instead of purely cash assistance. She shared how, through the proper prioritization of budgetary allocations, Makati has been able to provide not only maintenance medicines like insulin for free, but also shingles vaccines which cost nearly P20,000.

“What’s really important is proper budgeting. You may have a lot of money, but if it’s not spent wisely and goes to things that don’t matter, then it’s just wasted. What’s important is that whether you have a little or a lot of money, as long as it’s used properly, that’s what we need,” Binay said.

She also attended a daycare pre-recognition event, where she reiterated the importance of early childhood education for the optimal development of children. She shared that Makati distributes educational toys and promotes a love of reading among preschoolers.

“It’s important that even at a young age, children already love reading. Literacy and numeracy skills are key. We need to address this early. Because by the time they’re in Grade 5, it’s already too late,” Binay said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to advancing policies that empower local governments and improve healthcare and education across the country.

Binay was scheduled to visit the towns of Tiaong, Candelaria and Sariaya next.