Funded through the 20% development fund of the provincial government, the CBID center’s construction will begin in the last quarter of 2022 and will be situated within the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) grounds.

The center’s target population are, but not limited to, 0 months to 6 years old children with disabilities under the Early Intervention Program (EIP) and adults referred for rehabilitation.

Further, with the increasing number of individuals with orthopedic and physical impairments and children with developmental disabilities, the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) deems necessary the establishment of satellite rehabilitation centers in municipalities to bring services closer to the people.

For her part, Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member and Committee on Health and Social Services chair Dr. Mayella Mae Plameras-Ladislao said that she will present a resolution before the Provincial Council on their next session, urging the Department of Health (DOH) Antique Provincial Office to provide necessary assistance.

Ladislao also said that she will include the amendment of the PDAO structure and framework to ensure the protection of and provision of permanent positions to existing disability affairs personnel.

As of the latest data, Antique province has 7,801 registered individuals in the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disabilities (PRPWD). (AAL/BPS/PIA Antique)