Councilor Rodriguez bats subsidy for children with autism

Councilor Jonjon Rodriguez will propose an ordinance that would provide a monthly subsidy of ₱3,000 for indigent children with autism to help cover therapy costs, maintenance medicines, and other daily necessities.

This was in response to the special report of Councilor Desiree Dahino on the update of the Proposed Early Intervention Center for Children with Special Needs during the 34th Regular Session of the 21st City Council.

As chairperson of the committee on social services, Rodriguez underscored the need for more concrete legislative interventions, particularly financial assistance for indigent families raising children with special needs.

He pointed out that therapy sessions, maintenance medications, and other developmental support services often entail expenses that many parents struggle to sustain.

Rodriguez added that a private institution has already committed to assisting the city government through the Barangay Child Development Centers in conducting training and orientation on the early detection of signs of autism.

He believes that such collaboration would be a major step in equipping barangay-based child development workers, parents, and frontline personnel with the proper knowledge to identify developmental concerns among children at an early stage. (JDO/SP)