‘KAYA SANG KADA BATA’: Iloilo City opens ‘RISEAble’ center for kids with special needs

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City strengthened its commitment to inclusive education with the launch of its first RISEAble Special Education (SPED) and Early Intervention Center on Monday, Oct. 6, at Balay Dalangpan in Barangay Taal, Molo district.

Spearheaded by Mayor Raisa Treñas, the initiative aims to provide early intervention and developmental support for children with special needs, ensuring equal access to care and learning opportunities across the city.

“This program ensures early intervention for our children in the city,” Mayor Treñas said during the launch.

“When children are highly functional, they no longer need constant assistance from their parents. That is why we need to help them early—so parents can work and support their families,” she added.

She also shared that the RISEAble program was inspired by the real struggles of parents raising children with special needs.

She recalled meeting a parent of an 8-year-old child who had long searched for therapy but could not afford the monthly cost, which can reach PHP 25,000–PHP 30,000.

“According to some parents, programs like this are rare in the Philippines and are often seen only in countries such as the UK or the US,” she noted, emphasizing the city’s vision to make such services accessible locally.

The mayor further revealed plans to expand RISEAble centers to all districts.

“The RISEAble SPED and Early Intervention Center is a symbol of our commitment—that in Iloilo City, we believe in the ‘Kaya sang Kada Bata,’ that every child, whatever their abilities are, can rise, learn, and thrive,” she stressed.

According to Mx. Gab Umadhay, officer in charge of the center, RISEAble offers one-on-one sessions and SPED classes.

The program runs for a maximum of two years, targeting behavioral, learning, and social development to prepare children for formal schooling, and is handled by trained special education teachers.

Meanwhile, the facility can accommodate up to 300 children and currently serves 24 learners ages 3 to 5.