ILOILO City – Determined to make inclusive education a reality, the Iloilo City Government has opened RiseAble, a pioneering learning center in Barangay Taal, Molo district dedicated to helping children with developmental delays and special learning needs prepare for integration into mainstream schools.
The facility, inaugurated on Monday, October 6, can accommodate up to 300 children and currently serves 24 learners aged three to five, under the supervision of licensed Special Education (SPED) teachers.
Gab Umadhay, officer-in-charge of the center, said RiseAble focuses on early intervention to help children become independent and ready for regular schooling.
“Magahatag sang intervention ang center para sa mga kabataan nga may special needs agud mangin mahapos ang ila integration sa regular nga eskwelahan,” Umadhay explained.
He added that the program runs for a maximum of two years, targeting behavioral, learning, and social development.
“May maximum nga duha ka tuig ang intervention sa kabataan parte sa ila pagbinatasan, learning skills kag iban pa, agud ma-develop ang kabataan nga mangin independent caregiver,” he said.
Umadhay expressed optimism that more families would take advantage of the city’s initiative.
“Ginalauman naton nga magadamo pa ang kliyente. Ang RiseAble isa ka oportunidad nga makabulig gid sa kabataan kag pamilya nga naga-antos sang indi pareho nga sitwasyon,” he added.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, who led the inauguration, said the center reflects the city’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to education.
“We are making sure that our children with special needs are seen paagi sa pagtukod sang SPED Center sa Taal, Molo agud mahatagan sila sang kahigayunan mag-learn, grow, and shine,” Treñas said.
She emphasized that RiseAble is part of her administration’s broader vision to ensure that no learner is left behind.
“Through RiseAble, we reaffirm our vision of building a city where no learner is left behind and every child is given the chance to reach their fullest potential — indi lang sila makabaton sang edukasyon, kundi makabatyag man sang suporta, pagpalangga, kag pag-atipan sang ila komunidad,” she stressed.
The mayor reaffirmed that education remains a central pillar of Iloilo City’s social development agenda.
“Isa lamang ini sa madamo naton nga mga programa as we continue to rise to action para sa kaayuhan sang aton mga kabataan,” Treñas added.
The establishment of RiseAble marks a major milestone in Iloilo City’s inclusive education framework, providing not just intervention but also hope and empowerment for children with special needs and their families./PN
