The Iloilo City Government is expanding its early intervention services for children with special needs as the RISEAble Early Intervention Center in Molo continues to show gains among its young learners.
In its first year, the center has helped 28 children progress to the next stage of their learning and development, while the city is now eyeing a second RISEAble Center to accommodate more children and families needing specialized support.
The RISEAble Program: Kaya sang Kada Bata is one of Mayor Raisa S. Treñas’ priorities under her RISE-to-ACTION framework, promoting inclusive services and opportunities for children with special needs.
“Prayoridad gid naton ang welfare sang aton kabataan nga may special needs, which is why we built the RISEAble SPED and Early Intervention Center—a safe and supportive facility that also empowers teachers so every child can rise, learn, and thrive,” the mayor said.
The first batch of 28 learners marked a milestone during the center’s Moving Up Ceremony on May 22. Eight children were identified for full integration into regular classrooms, while 20 were placed under partial integration as part of the center’s transition program.
For Mayor Raisa, the progress of the learners reflects the importance of investing in early intervention and supporting families as they help their children reach their potential.
“This inspires me to do more, and better, because I know nga may mga pamilya kita nga mabuligan, may mga kabataan kita nga mahatagan sang mas maayo nga future,” Treñas said.
Under the partial integration setup, the children continue therapy and intervention sessions while gradually being exposed to larger classroom environments to strengthen their socialization, communication, independence, and play skills.
Center head Gabriel Felix Umadhay credited the progress to the strong partnership among teachers, therapists, and parents, noting that families have already observed positive changes in their children.
The RISEAble Center caters to children aged zero to five years old. Learners undergo screening and assessment to determine the appropriate intervention and learning environment, whether through the center or daycare facilities equipped to provide the necessary interventions.
As the program moves forward, the city is eyeing the establishment of a second RISEAble Center at a portion of the La Paz Public Library, also known as the Judge Delfin Jaranilla Memorial Learning Center.
The planned expansion seeks to bring early intervention services closer to more children who need developmental support while helping address the growing need for specialized services.
From helping its first batch of learners transition toward mainstream education to planning its expansion, RISEAble continues to strengthen Iloilo City’s efforts to ensure that children with special needs receive early, inclusive, and appropriate support.
