(Photo courtesy of PIA)
SAN JOSE, Province of Dinagat Islands – At least 100 children with disabilities in Dinagat Islands received free developmental assessments, rehabilitation services, and early intervention support through the Island Children’s Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment Caravan (CAREvan) held on October 23 and 24, 2026.
Organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), the two-day program took place at the Provincial Guest Center in Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian attended the activity, emphasizing the government’s commitment to bringing essential services closer to families in remote and geographically isolated communities.
The caravan provided free consultations and assessments conducted by clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Gatchalian explained that specialized developmental assessments and rehabilitation services are often expensive and difficult to access, particularly in island provinces where qualified specialists are limited.
Through the initiative, government agencies brought together medical professionals and resources to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to the needs of participating children.
NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova said the program prioritizes underserved island communities to ensure that geographical barriers do not prevent children with disabilities from receiving essential support.
Among the beneficiaries was the five-year-old child of San Jose resident Cristine Joy Balanza, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Balanza expressed gratitude for the free services, particularly occupational and speech therapies, which would otherwise require her family to travel outside the province.
Meanwhile, the NCDA committed to funding five months of therapy sessions for the beneficiaries, while the provincial government, led by Governor Nilo Demerey Jr., pledged to cover another six months.
The combined commitment will provide 11 months of therapy support to help children receive continued interventions based on their developmental needs.
The DSWD, NCDA, and provincial government said the initiative aims to improve access to specialized healthcare, rehabilitation, and family support services for children with disabilities in remote communities.
