Dahino joins DARE CAREvan kickoff

“For every child with special needs, for every parent who quietly fights battles no one sees, you are seen. You are supported. You are deeply loved.”

This was the message of City Councilor Des Dahino after she joined the kickoff ceremony of the two-day Developmental Assessment, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (DARE) for Children with Disabilities Caravan (CAREvan) held on March 25 at Kalimudan Hall, Provincial Capitol, Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The initiative, spearheaded by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region X, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region X, and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, provided free and comprehensive developmental and rehabilitation assessments to 91 children.

Through the activity, children were able to receive early diagnosis and appropriate intervention plans, with a team of 24 multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals deployed to deliver the services.

Dahino affirmed to take part in the activity alongside key national and regional officials, including NCDA Executive Director Glenda D. Relova, DSWD Undersecretary Fatimah Aliah Q. Dimaporo, DSWD Field Office X Regional Director Glofelia J. Uayan, DILG Region X Regional Director Bruce A. Colao, and Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo.

She underscored that efforts such as these reflect a shared advocacy.

Councilor Dahino is hopeful that similar initiatives would be implemented in Cagayan de Oro, and that the city’s ongoing efforts for children with special needs in the city will bear fruit. (SPE/SP)