Minister Beatriz Carles announces the 'Cuidarte' program as part of the 2026 social investment. During her appearance before the National Assembly, the Ministry of Social Development (Mides) announced the launch of the 'Cuidarte' program for 2026, reaffirming that social investment is key to the country's sustainable development. During her appearance before the National Assembly's Committee on Labor, Health, and Social Development, the Minister of Social Development, Beatriz Carles, presented the institutional report of her ministry, emphasizing that social investment has been the engine for strengthening the protection of childhood, inclusion, and care for vulnerable populations during the 2025 fiscal year. The management reported a budget execution of $281.7 million, after an adjustment that raised the initial budget from $266.9 to $294.9 million. The minister based the results on four strategic pillars: well-being and dignity of the population, strengthening of inclusion, protection of the family, and improvement of institutional capacity. 'We firmly believe that social investment not only responds to an immediate need, but is fundamental for the country's sustainable development,' Carles stated during her intervention. Protection of Early Childhood and Children. One of the most significant achievements was the care of 2,456 children through 95 Comprehensive Early Childhood Care Centers (Caipi). In this line, Mides announced the implementation for 2026 of the 'Cuidarte' program, which will have a planned social investment of B/.3,191,664.00 to benefit 2,100 minors in rural areas and indigenous regions. Initiatives such as the following were also highlighted: 'Contigo Creciendo' Program: Attended to 61 cases of children and adolescents in La Chorrera and the Emberá-Wounaan region. 'Responsible and Loving Parenting': Implementation of digital tools based on scientific evidence to guide caregivers. 'Backpack, Play and Learn': Strengthening of playrooms that currently serve more than 7,500 children. Advances in Care and Emotional Support. The social portfolio advanced in the articulation of the National Care System, training more than 60 technicians in alliance with Inadeh for the care of dependent persons. The impact of the emotional support line 147 was also highlighted, which has managed more than 19,000 calls since its relaunch in September 2024, expanding its coverage through WhatsApp. In terms of youth and volunteering, the 'Godfather Entrepreneur' program provided accompaniment to 629 students, while the Adolescent Training Center (Cefodea) graduated 21 young people in vulnerable situations. The minister concluded that these figures represent stories of overcoming and a shared effort between the State and the private sector to improve the quality of life in Panama.
