The city government has formed a task force to develop a policy establishing a Neurodivergence Center.

In an interview on Wednesday, 1st District Councilor Desiree Dahino said the task force has recently conducted benchmarking activities with the Davao City government, which has already established its own Center.

“Seeing how the center serves families, especially those who have the least, reminds me why this work matters. Every child deserves care, and every parent deserves support,” she said.

Dahino, chair of the Committee on Women and Family Relations and the planned center’s proponent, led the delegation last week, which included members of the Committee on Family Relations and representatives of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

She said the team visited the Special Needs Intervention Center for Children in Davao City to study its programs and services for children with special needs, especially those from underserved communities.

Dahino said she witnessed firsthand how the facility supports families, which reinforced the initiative’s importance.

The benchmarking activity is part of the city’s broader plan to establish a Neurodivergence Center in Barangay Pagatpat, which aims to provide accessible and inclusive services for children with autism and other developmental conditions.

According to Dahino, the visit affirmed that the vision for a similar facility in Cagayan de Oro is achievable.

The proposed center is expected to strengthen support for children with special needs and their families, promoting inclusive care and community intervention services. (PNA)