DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children, which has been serving more than 1,000 children with special needs since its 2025 launch, received new occupational therapy equipment to strengthen its rehabilitation and development programs.
The therapy equipment was turned over by the AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South Inc. and the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. to DCSNICC Manager Dr. Melody Pardillo on Monday, May 11.
AboitizPower Transition Business Group Assistant Vice President for Corporate Services Atty. Alona Suzell Ruyeras-Borromeo said the facility supports children requiring continuous therapy and specialized interventions to improve daily functioning and quality of life.
“The equipment includes multi-functional wooden sensory and movement structures made from specialized wood sourced from Europe,” Borromeo said.
She added that the therapy tools are designed to provide a safe, structured environment where children can develop motor skills, balance, coordination, strength, and sensory integration through guided play and therapeutic activities.
Borromeo said the initiative reflects the company’s broader advocacy beyond energy services. She added that the company aims to support community welfare alongside its power operations, emphasizing inclusive development for children with special needs.
The establishment of the center was made possible through Davao City Ordinance No. 0230-20, Series of 2020, introduced by Councilor Petite Principe.
It said the facility was designed to function as a centralized hub for services for children with disabilities, combining therapy and educational support under one roof.
Principe, chairperson of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, said the new equipment enhances the center’s capacity to provide meaningful developmental opportunities for its beneficiaries.
The councilor noted that the additional resources would help improve mobility, independence, and long-term outcomes for children under the program.
Alongside equipment turnover, the TSI’s legal team conducted a community legal caravan for parents of children with special needs.
The session focused on legal rights and protections, covering topics such as access to education, early intervention, healthcare, and mental health services, aas well assafeguards against abuse and neglect.
“It also aimed to help parents better understand available legal frameworks and support systems as they care for their children,” Borromeo said.
The DCSNICC thanked Aboitiz for the donation, saying the new equipment strengthens the center’s ability to provide a safe and inclusive environment where children can learn, explore, and develop essential life skills.
Pardillo said that such support helps families see tangible progress and hope for greater independence among their children.(By Ivy Tejano)
