By Xander Ledesma
A hundred children with physical disabilities in the capital town of Antique will benefit from the Children’s Health, Education, and Resources for Inclusion, Support and Hope (CHERISH) project, a program designed to provide holistic care and support for vulnerable children.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has identified San Jose de Buenavista as the pilot area for the Visayas under the CHERISH project. Each beneficiary will receive PHP2,000 in monthly financial assistance starting January 2025, along with training for parents and communities on proper care and rehabilitation, according to Amy Dava, head of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO).
Mayor Justin Encarnacion formalized the town’s participation in the project by signing a memorandum of agreement on October 24 with DSWD Undersecretary for Innovation Group Eduardo Punay and Regional Director Arwin Razo. The financial support is intended to cover beneficiaries’ health, educational, and other essential needs.
The municipality has identified 309 children with physical disabilities, primarily those with cerebral palsy, as needing assistance. “The children chosen as beneficiaries are those with severe disabilities and are in dire need of support,” Dava said. The financial aid is expected to help cover transportation costs for therapy sessions, school supplies, and other daily necessities.
In addition to the CHERISH project, the local government is studying how to extend support to the remaining 209 children not included in the initial list of beneficiaries. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to improving the lives of children with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in the community.