SMALL STEPS, BIG BREAKTHROUGHS: 29 Riseable Kids Advance to DepEd; 8 Join Regular Classrooms

ILOILO CITY — For children with developmental needs, holding a pencil, recognizing a teacher, or joining a classroom may seem like small milestones. But for their families, these are breakthroughs that open doors to a brighter future.

This is the heart of Mayor Raisa S. Treñas’ RiseAble Early Intervention Program, as nearly all 29 children from its first batch have advanced to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Developmental Learning Resource Center (DLRC) program, with eight already achieving full inclusion in regular classrooms.

The remaining children are undergoing partial inclusion, attending classes at DepEd schools twice a week while continuing to receive specialized support from the RiseAble Center based on their individual developmental needs.

Through RiseAble, the city provides free early intervention services for children aged zero to five, helping them develop essential communication, socialization, behavioral, cognitive, and motor skills in preparation for school.

“May mga milestones nga daw simple lang sa iban, pero dako na nga achievement para sa isa ka bata kag sa iya pamilya. This is exactly why we pushed for the RiseAble Program—to give every child the opportunity to develop their abilities at an early age,” Mayor Treñas said.

Each child receives an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) tailored to their developmental needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. Teachers monitor their progress at each child’s own pace, recognizing that every child has a unique learning journey.

For RiseAble Center Head Teacher Kathleen Tanalgo Polmo, even simple improvements, such as learning to hold a pencil, scribble, color, or recognize and call a teacher by name, are significant achievements that prepare children for greater independence and classroom participation.

The program also provides much-needed relief to families who struggle with the high cost of developmental assessments, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other specialized services, which can reach approximately PHP 20,000 monthly.

“Dako gid ang bulig sang RiseAble sa mga ginikanan, especially financially, because specialized therapies and developmental assessments can be very expensive. Through this program, more children can receive the early intervention they need without placing such a heavy financial burden on their families,” Polmo added.

Ryan, the father of a RiseAble beneficiary, thanked Mayor Raisa Treñas for providing free therapy services that ease families’ financial burdens while helping children with developmental needs improve and prepare for the future.

“Dako gid ang amon nga pasalamat kay Mayor Raisa Treñas tungod sa RiseAble. Indi lang pinansyal nga bulig ang nahatag sini sa amon, kundi oportunidad man para sa amon mga kabataan nga mag-improve kag mangin handa para sa mas maayo nga palaabuton. Sang una, ang bata ko tatlo lang ka minutos makapungko, pero subong kaya na niya ang isa ka oras. Dako gid na nga kalipay kag achievement para sa amon nga mga ginikanan. Kabay pa nga magpadayon kag mag-expand pa ang RiseAble agud mas madamo nga kabataan ang mabuligan,” he said.

Since his child started therapy, Ryan has also observed improvements in the child’s ability to follow instructions and recognize his own name. He hopes the program will continue expanding to help more families.

Mayor Treñas, meanwhile, expressed fulfillment in seeing the program make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

“Very fulfilling gid nga may naka-appreciate kag, aside sina, may nabuligan gid ang aton nga programa,” the mayor said.

Currently, the RiseAble Center in Molo serves 56 children, while its newly established center in La Paz has 29 children in its first batch. The program also maintains a waiting list for families seeking assessment and intervention services.

Parents who wish to have their children assessed may contact the RiseAble Iloilo City Facebook page or visit the centers at Balay Dalangpan, Barangay Taal, Molo, and the Learning Center on Justice Javellana Street in La Paz. Free special education and psychological assessments are also available, subject to scheduling and service availability.

Polmo encouraged parents not to feel ashamed or lose hope when seeking professional assistance, emphasizing that early assessment and intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s development.

“Sa mga ginikanan, indi gid kamo magkahuya ukon madulaan sang paglaum. Importante nga magpalapit kag magpangayo sang bulig kay madamo sang programa kag ahensya nga handa magbulig sa inyo. Every child has potential, and we must give them the opportunity to develop,” she said.

Mayor Treñas also called on the community to become more understanding and supportive of children with developmental needs, stressing that every child deserves acceptance, opportunities, and the chance to reach their full potential.

“Behind every small improvement is a child trying their best and a family that continues to hold on to hope. Amo ini ang gusto naton—that no child is left behind and no family feels alone in this journey,” the mayor said.

She also announced that the city aims to establish additional RiseAble centers in other districts to make services more accessible to families.

“We are now looking for additional centers because our dream makadugang kita sa lain-lain nga districts all over Iloilo City to make our center accessible para sa aton nga mga pumuluyo kag hindi na sila mabudlayan especially kung may mga ginikanan nga kinanlan ila dal-on ang ila kabataan sa aton centers,” Mayor Raisa added. (City Hall press release)