ANTIQUE — The local government of San Jose de Buenavista has committed to sustaining the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Aruga (care) project, a program focused on supporting the welfare and development of children with disabilities.
The initiative, piloted in Antique’s capital town, was launched following a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the LGU and DSWD signed in June this year. The MOA remains effective for one year, but the LGU has pledged continued implementation beyond its initial term due to the program’s significant positive impact on child beneficiaries.
San Jose de Buenavista Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) head Amie Dava said the project has shown meaningful results in improving the holistic development of participating children.
“A funding of P600,000 has already been included in the 2026 Annual Investment Program (AIP) of San Jose de Buenavista for the continuity of the project,” Dava said in an interview Tuesday.
The allocation will serve as financial assistance for 100 child beneficiaries, each receiving P2,000 per month, to be released twice within a school year to support their educational, medical, and other essential needs.
Beyond financial aid, the children also participate in skills development activities such as pottery-making and clay art, which aim to help them acquire livelihood skills.
To strengthen program monitoring, 15 barangay health workers (BHWs) and community volunteers have been trained to assess and document the health conditions of the beneficiaries. Parents of the children are likewise being taught proper caregiving approaches tailored to their children’s disabilities.
“Most of the beneficiaries have orthopedic disabilities or cerebral palsy,” Dava added.
The LGU’s commitment to sustain the Aruga project underscores its dedication to promoting inclusive development and expanding support for children with disabilities and their families in the municipality. (PNA)
