The local government unit (LGU) of San Jose de Buenavista has committed to sustaining the “Aruga” (care) project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which looks into the welfare of children with disabilities.

The initiative was piloted in Antique’s capital town, following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the LGU and the department in June of this year, which is valid for one year.

San Jose de Buenavista Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) head Amie Dava said in an interview on Tuesday that the local government has decided to sustain the initiative, following its significant impact on the holistic development of child beneficiaries.

“A funding of PHP600,000 had already been included in the 2026 Annual Investment Program (AIP) of San Jose de Buenavista for the continuity of the project,” she said.

The fund will be used as financial assistance for the 100 kid beneficiaries who will receive PHP2,000 per month, to be released twice within a school year for their educational, medical and other needs.

“They are also able to undergo skills training, such as pottery-making or any form of art made of clay for their livelihood,” she said.

Further, 15 barangay health workers (BHWs) or community volunteers were trained to conduct monitoring of the beneficiaries on their health conditions.

Parents of the beneficiaries are also being trained on how to properly handle their children with disabilities.

“Most of the beneficiaries have then orthopedic disability or cerebral palsy,” Dava said. (PNA)