14 DS learners receive financial assistance, presents

Personnel from the Governor’s Office – Persons with Disability Affairs Office (GO-PDAO) headed by Ms. Venus R. Cadabona, Disability Affairs Officer III, together with representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Provincial Integrated Health Office (PIHO), Governor’s Office – Nutrition Division, Aritao Central School, and Cagayan Valley Region V – Haribon CV Eagles Club, joined 14 Down Syndrome (DS) learners in commemorating the National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month on February 23, 2023 at the Aritao Central School.

Highlighting the day’s activity was the giving of financial assistance and presents to the participating DS learners from the Special Education (SPED) Centers of Aritao, Dupax del Sur, and Kayapa. Each of them received some gifts, food packs, and vitamins, along with P2,000.00 in financial assistance from the DSWD.

According to experts, “DS can affect learning abilities in different ways on account of some mild to moderate intellectual impairment. Children with DS have delays in speech and motor skills, and may need assistance in wearing their clothes, grooming, and other self-care tasks.”

The province’s highly trained professional SPED teachers are considered modern-day heroes as they play the very challenging role of caring for students with developmental, physical, behavioral, and emotional needs.

In her message, Ms. Cadabona reiterated this year’s theme: “Natatanging Nilalang”, which reminds everyone to focus on the DS learners’ abilities rather than their disabilities. It also serves to encourage more people to learn about DS, celebrate with those living with it, and recognize the sacrifices of their parents and teachers who patiently guide and mold them to become better persons, gain independence from their daily struggles, live happy lives, and be functioning and contributing members of society.

As always, Ms. Cadabona was expressive of her gratefulness to Governor Carlos M. Padilla, and to all stakeholders who are always extending support to their office, as she vowed her office’s adherence to its mandate of developing, promoting, and carrying out policies, programs, projects, and activities for the development of persons with disabilities in tandem with its partner government and private sector organizations. #mvs

PDAO-led composite team joins DS learners in celebrating National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.