The schools that now host HOPE Centers include Upper Bicutan National High School, Taguig Science High School, Sen. Renato "Compañero" Cayetano Science and Technology Memorial High School, Makati Science High School, and Bagumbayan National High School.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano inaugurated the HOPE Center at Upper Bicutan National High School on October 8, 2025, coinciding with the Mental Health Week and marking her 100th day in office for her second term.
The HOPE Centers provide a safe space where students can reflect, converse with one another, and learn from each other. They aim to strengthen the youth to face life's challenges.
"We will tear down the wall of hesitation or shame. Because when we hesitate or feel ashamed or awkward in processing and sharing our feelings, it escalates until you can't handle it anymore. We don't want any child to feel that way. We don't want any child to feel hopeless or helpless, because every child in the city of Taguig is important," Mayor Cayetano stated.
"The extent of the pandemic's impact on the mental health of our youth became clear after it ended. Consequently, there is a need to collectively address this. Notably, Mayor Lani Cayetano acted ahead of time, even preceding Mayor Lani's response by creating the Taguig CARES program. Even before the passage of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act in December 2024, the city had already inaugurated its first HOPE Center in July 2018," said Atty. Chona Gonzales, head of Taguig CARES.
