Awareness program on children with special needs held

Around 100 children with special needs from the Summer Capital, accompanied by their parents and teachers, were given gifts during the Community Stakeholders Encounter and Awareness Campaign on Children with Special Needs, July 25 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.

The activity was in line with the 27th Police Community Relations Month Celebration and conducted by the Philippine Regional Headquarters Unit, Baguio City Police Office and the City Government of Baguio thru its People with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO).

It was held in collaboration with the Pasig Bayanihan Lions Club, Rotary Club of Kamuning East, and Maezelle Psycho Metier and Diagnostic Center.

PDAO-Baguio head Samuel Aquino said the young beneficiaries were from the St. John Paul II Learning Center, Special Education Center Baguio and Easter Special Education School.

Aquino said messages were delivered by former Department of Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, Police Regional Office-Cordillera Dir. PBGen. Ronald Lee, while he spoke on behalf of Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

He talked on the role of PDAO in line with Republic Act 10070 that establishes institutional mechanisms to ensure the implementation of programs and services for PWDs in every province, city and municipality.

Aquino and St. John Paul II Learning Center administrator Evelyn Dayot are very thankful to the organizers of this memorable activity.

They are hoping that it will become an annual event that focuses on children with special needs. – Gaby B. Keith