San jose de buenavista: The local government here has employed 20 auxiliary caregivers to look after the welfare of children with disabilities who are beneficiaries of the 'Aruga' project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

According to Philippines News Agency, San Jose de Buenavista Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) head Amie Dava mentioned in an interview that the auxiliary caregivers monitor the 150 beneficiaries to ensure that they are not subjected to bullying and discrimination while in school. San Jose de Buenavista has been selected as one of the pilot sites of the Aruga project in the country beginning in 2025.

Dava highlighted that a component of the project is to advocate for the rights of persons with disability below 18 years old to ensure their inclusivity in school and in the community. Through the auxiliary caregivers, the PDAO can promptly refer needs or complaints to the appropriate authorities for action.

The caregivers visit the schools and homes of the beneficiaries three times every month for monitoring. The beneficiaries also receive a disability allowance of PHP2,000 per month, which is released to the recipients or through their parents every quarter by the DSWD. Dava noted that with the implementation of Aruga, parents of children with disabilities are more attentive to their health and education needs because they have some financial support.