Financial Aid Empowers Children with Disabilities
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique — On July 4, 2025, around 100 children with physical disabilities in Antique’s capital town received financial assistance through the Children’s Health, Education and Resources for Inclusion, Support and Hope (CHERISH) project. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) spearheaded this initiative to support these young learners.
DSWD Regional Director Arwin Razo supervised the distribution of the first tranche of P10,000 financial aid to each beneficiary. “This amount is the first of two tranches planned for the School Year 2025-2026,” Razo explained. The project aims to provide crucial support to children with disabilities to help them access education and related resources.
The second tranche is scheduled for release in September, ensuring continued assistance throughout the school year. “The beneficiaries are all in-school learners with physical disabilities who require financial support,” Razo added in an interview.
Supporting Education and Therapy Needs
The aid can be used by recipients for various purposes, including education expenses, speech therapy, assistive devices, and other essential needs. CHERISH is a community-based program implemented in partnership with the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) of San Jose de Buenavista, led by Amie Dava. The project’s goal is to enhance the social and educational functioning of children with disabilities.
This initiative began after the DSWD signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government of San Jose de Buenavista, which serves as the pilot site for the program since 2024.
Voices from Beneficiaries
Among the grateful beneficiaries is Ryan Aron, a parent of a four-year-old child receiving aid. He shared, “I make it a point to be absent from my work every time he has his therapy session in Iloilo City, so the financial assistance will be of a big help to us.” Ryan’s wife left her job to care for their son, making this support vital for their family’s wellbeing.
The CHERISH project not only provides monetary aid but also fosters hope and inclusion for children with disabilities in the community. Local officials and program implementers continue to work together to ensure these children receive the help they need to thrive in their education and social environments.
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