The City Government of Davao continues to provide health services to people, particularly children, who are considered as having special needs.
The health program is being implemented by the administration of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte through the City Health Office and the City Social Services and Development Office, among others, for mentally-challenged children and adults.
City Health Officer Dr. Josephine Villafuerte said that under the program, children and adults with special needs are being given assistance and shelter at the Lingap Center for Mentally Challenged Children in Tugbok District. Some of the wards were abandoned by their families.
“Our objective is to provide a safe place for them, where they can find the care, the attention, and the love that were denied them,” said a social worker.
The center is now a home to around 23 children and adults with various special needs and mental disorders.
Life at the center covers different activities for the wards — including art therapy, music therapy, and film viewing. Gardening, grooming and personal hygiene are also part of the daily activities.
“We are concerned for their health and well-being,” said the social worker. “We want to make them feel that the center is their second home. This is a home where they are accepted and loved.”
The facility was recently featured by Byaheng DO30’s ‘Kol Chito segment hosted by DThe program is a weekly television magazine show of the City of Government of Davao aired on GMA 5 Davao every Sunday. CIO
