A step towards inclusive society for children with disabilities in Mendez

By Jam Elisse Reyes Organizing of Parents Support Group for Children with Disabilities at FTM People’s Center in Mendez, Cavite on August 17...

By Jam Elisse Reyes

Organizing of Parents Support Group for Children with Disabilities at FTM People’s Center in Mendez, Cavite on August 17-19, 2023. (Photo from Cavite PIO)

MENDEZ, Cavite - In a pioneering endeavor towards inclusivity and active support for children with disabilities, the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC), through the Office of the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Officer (OPPDAO) and the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), in partnership with Mendez Federation of Persons with Disability, embarked on Organizing of Parents Support Group for Children with Disabilities at FTM People’s Center in Mendez, Cavite on August 17-19, 2023.

With the tagline “Inclusion of Parent Groups in the Local Disability Affairs”, the three-day event aspired to capacitate parents of children with disabilities, enabling them to actively participate and strengthen their voices in the planning of programs and services that will help shape the future for their children.



Ronald Perey, Mendez Municipal Chief of Staff, represented Mayor Francisco Mendoza and conveyed his message of inclusivity for all sectors, ensuring that no one will be neglected in the growing Municipality of Mendez.

Likewise, Hon. Irene Bencito, 8th District Board Member and Committee Chair on Human Rights, emphasized the mindset of not viewing the “dis” in disability, but instead, emphasizing the “ability”, thus, allowing PWDs to see their potential rather than their limitations.



Marife Bautista, representative of 1st District Board Member Romel Enriquez, then wished a fruitful activity for all attendees.

During the kick off, esteemed speakers explored on key topics, including the Mandates of the Law for Persons with Disabilities discussed by Marie Shiela Haloc; the Child’s Rights presented by Precyl Ramos; and Understanding Disabilities tackled by Adela Villa.

Additionally, Denmark Dimapilis of ELAD School of Potentials gave a lecture on Early Intervention among Children with Disabilities, while Maria Heidi Alaine Tahir, Education Program Supervisor of SNEd General Trias City, talked about the Children with Disability and Education.

Through these interactive discussions, parents were equipped with necessary knowledge and skills that will help them navigate and calibrate initiatives for children with disabilities.

A consultative dialogue was also facilitated with stakeholders from PGC offices, non-government agencies and the local government of Mendez, wherein current situations of children with disabilities and development of potential actions and solutions for their improved governance were discussed.

Also, some of the parents shared their emotional stories, which served as a beacon of hope for others to not give up and continue to strive harder for the welfare of their children.

On the last day, culminating activity and socialization were organized, allowing the children with disabilities to enjoy the jam-packed activities, including art workshop, talent showcase, magic show, face painting, photo booth and bubble show.

The event marked a milestone for the Municipality of Mendez, as the first parent support group for children with disabilities funded by PCPC was organized and witnessed by around 100 participants.-