The local government here is gearing up to pilot another program that will cater to children on the spectrum, or those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this month.

The “RISEable” program will provide early intervention to children on the spectrum, Mayor Raisa Treñas said in a media interview on Monday.

“We will help with their early intervention. We will be having a school for them,” she said, noting that most parents suffering from mental health issues, like depression, have children with ASD.

She noted that early intervention will help them to be “highly functional” when they grow older.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will pilot the program and will soon open it in other districts of the city.

She said they have already tapped early education teachers, but they have yet to review the specifics of its implementation.

“We will be getting help from the occupational therapists, and then we are looking at how we can link with the developmental pediatrician to review the development of the children,” the city mayor said.

On the other hand, the city government will also launch the “Tindahan Livelihood Carts (TLC) ni Inday” program, a livelihood project for solo parents, out-of-school youths, and young mothers on Sept. 4.

She said sometimes, young mothers are already embarrassed to go back to school, even if there is an opportunity.

“We will gather the marginal sector. We will have this program for them to give them livelihood opportunities,” she added.

The programs are part of the many initiatives, aligned with the Rise to Action, that the city government started to implement last month.

The mayor said they plan to launch 50 programs by October this year.

One of the most appreciated is the ‘Uswag Atipan (care) Center’ that has so far served over 2,000 residents since its launch on Aug.18. The center serves as a one-stop shop for the various services of the city government.

Among the most in-demand services are livelihood training, scholarship, and dental services. (PNA)