Pangasinan: The Children with Disabilities Caravan (CAREvan) initiative, a collaborative effort by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), extended services to 30 children with disabilities in Pangasinan. This took place on Monday during the "Handog ng Pangulo Serbisyong Para sa Lahat" service caravan at the Sison Auditorium.

According to Philippines News Agency, NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova described CAREvan as a one-stop shop for children with disabilities, offering free developmental evaluations, therapy, and support services for children with special needs. "We have developmental pediatricians, clinical psychologists, rehab doctors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, and social workers. Our aim is to provide a diagnosis at a very early age," she stated.

Relova explained that children qualifying for NCDA's assessment are eligible for free therapy twice a month over five months. The typical cost for such assessment and therapy sessions would be approximately PHP6,500 and PHP1,200, respectively, per session.

Highlighting the significance of early diagnosis, Relova stressed that assessing children aged zero to five years is crucial for optimal growth and development. Early diagnosis can facilitate suitable treatments, thereby minimizing further disabilities.

The CAREvan program also aims to extend its services to island localities with limited access to professional help. "The government is bringing the CAREvan to let the parents know that they are not alone in their journey. The government is here to help you," Relova emphasized.

Persons with Disability Affairs Officer Jennifer Garcia added that the CAREvan will assist parents whose children have non-apparent disabilities in obtaining PWD identification. This identification entitles children to benefits, including discounts, and addresses the financial barriers some parents face in securing necessary assessments and certifications.