1,200 Children with Disabilities assisted in Mandaluyong

Over 1,200 children with disabilities, including those with autism and cerebral palsy, benefited from Project TEACH (Therapy, Education, and Assimilation of Children with Handicap), an initiative spearheaded by former Mandaluyong Mayor and senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos Jr., which has been recognized by the United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA).

Project TEACH provides free interventions, education, and skills training to children with disabilities from financially challenged families in the city.

Experts composed of child specialist, teachers and therapists also train parents on proper care, understanding the needs of their children, and recognizing their rights.

Through this program, the therapy, educational, and support needs of children with disabilities are addressed, offering assistance not just to the children but also to their families.

According to the latest study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF, 2022), an estimated 1.6 million Filipino children have disabilities.

Abalos further cited UNICEF’s findings, which state that families with children with disabilities experience poverty rates 50% higher than those of other families with children.

Abalos hopes Project TEACH can be replicated in other parts of the country to extend assistance to more children with special needs.

Aside from the recognition from the United Nations, the Project TEACH has earned numerous awards, including second place in the Asia-Pacific Region for the category of “Improving Public Service,” the Galing Pook Awards, and the People Program of the Year Award from the People Management Association of the Philippines.

One of the main challenges the program faced was integrating students with disabilities into regular schools. Over the years, however, Project TEACH has made significant progress, successfully mainstreaming over 900 students into regular schools.

As part of the program’s expansion, day care centers were also included in Project TEACH, a major success achieved in collaboration with the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA). Day care workers received special training in identifying and addressing the needs of children with disabilities.

“Empowering day care center workers to address and support the needs of children with special needs is a significant step towards ensuring these children receive the services they need to face life’s challenges like other children,” said Abalos.