About 46 children with disabilities are currently enrolled in the Tuloy Aral Walang Sagabal (Tawag) project managed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

This project prepares special children for integration into daycare service program and eventually into regular/special school.

“Tawag is a call to everyone to help these children so that they may also enjoy a life filled with dignity, self-reliance and acceptance in the community,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said of the project that started in 2000.

A Social Laboratory Center has been established at the CSWDO in Molo district to cater to children three years old and above, including out of school youth, who have disabilities in seeing, hearing, moving and learning.

Tawag project implementer Deonaline Magarse said that out of the 46 children, 29 are provided by a Chinese philanthropist with monthly financial assistance to defray their transportation expenses.

Other support come in the form of donations and gift giving done by various institutions, groups and individuals, aside from the city government.

Magarse, a daycare worker trained in the proper care and management of children with disabilities, said appropriate interventions are being done to each child to facilitate their integration to school and community life.

The center also provides opportunities for education, vocational preparation and life skills training for out of school youth with disabilities, as well as motivates the family members to actively participate in the rehabilitation of their children or sibling.

Magarse said the Tawag project has received positive feedback from provincial and social welfare and development officers in Western Visayas citing its committed, patient, dedicated and knowledgeable workers; well-organized and helpful facility for special children; and substantial program materials and equipment in the center.

Because of the encouraging result, other provinces and cities in the region are planning to replicate this best practice or at least revitalize their own Tawag project, she stated.*ICPIO