A health professional in the region lauded the Samar provincial government for establishing the Center for Developmental Pediatrics (CDP) that will provide professional and medical intervention for children with special needs.

Having a facility that will cater to children with special needs is very important for the region, according to Dr. Sheryll Baňez Palami, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and consultant at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC).

“Although we already have this at the EVMC, this is not enough,” Palami said, adding the medical facility cannot fully cater to the needs of children with special needs considering that they need special treatment and care.

The CDP, launched by the provincial government on Feb. 12 at the Spark Samar Development Hub in Catbalogan City, offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy.

Palami said in an interview Wednesday that having a facility run by a local government unit such as the CDP in Samar would help those who come from poor families.

She said other LGUs in the region should follow suit because this will greatly help their constituents.

During the launch, Governor Sharee Ann Tan said this initiative is a significant step towards human capital development, ensuring that every child, regardless of their challenges, receives the support they deserve.

“Investing in the well-being and future of our children is among my top priorities. Through the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics, we are building a more inclusive and supportive community where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

The center will not only provide therapy services but will also play a crucial role in parent and teacher education to better equip families and educators with the knowledge and skills needed to support children with special needs effectively.

The CDP will be under the direct supervision of the Samar provincial hospital to ensure that the highest standards of medical and therapeutic care are provided to children in need.

Those who want to avail themselves of the services of the health care facility will have to visit the center and present the PhilHealth identification card of the parents and the birth certificate of the child.

Non-residents of Samar may also avail themselves of the services of the center by filling out a registration form online, submitting the needed requirement, and sending it through the center’s e-mail address. (PNA)