CSN Centre Parañaque garners win at GovMedia Conference & Awards
It has successfully provided free therapy services to children with special needs.
Local government facility Parañaque City Therapy Centre for Children with Special Needs (CSN Centre Parañaque) was awarded the Philippines Social Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year - Health at the coveted GovMedia Conference & Awards 2024 for its success in providing the much-needed free therapy services to children with special needs in Parañaque City, Philippines.
In the Philippines, children with special needs are grappling with significant barriers to accessing essential services, including limited availability of public facilities, exorbitant therapy costs, and a shortage of professionals and resources to provide interventions and behavioural health support. In response to these challenges, the Parañaque City government established the CSN Center Paranaque, the City’s flagship program for children with disabilities. The CSN Center Paranaque plays a crucial role in making therapy and behavioural health services accessible to families who may face financial constraints.
The city's efforts aim to provide these children with the necessary support and services such as Occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, ABA therapy and music therapy to enhance their well-being and foster their capacity to lead meaningful, productive, and fulfilling lives as valued members of society.
This initiative was sparked by a local legislator, City Councilor Marvin A. Santos, who has a personal connection to the cause, having a son on the autism spectrum. The centre was established during the incumbency of former Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez and has become operational under the current administration of Mayor Eric L. Olivarez, marking a significant milestone in the provision of support and services for individuals with special needs and their families.
Within 2 years of operation, the centre has served a total of 718 children with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, global developmental delay and related conditions across all 16 barangays, regularly receiving free therapy services. The centre has provided 16,080 free therapy sessions, trained 525 parents on managing a child with special needs at home, and has engaged various non-government organisations (NGO) to participate in its programmes.
“Through the programs of CSN Centre Paranaque, it has organised a community of families of children with disabilities, actively engaged with the activities of their children. It has also created a ripple effect on other students, teachers, NGOs and other government agencies to participate in programmes and projects of children with disabilities initiated by CSN Centre through donations, volunteer work and outreach programmes," Nessie D. Baculo, the facility Administrator said.
The GovMedia Conference & Awards is a prestigious event that spotlights outstanding government projects and initiatives in Asia that contributes to the well-being of the people in the region.
The Gov Media Awards is presented by Gov Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be recognised for your organisation's government projects and initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].
