The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Social Technology Bureau (STB) launched Project CHERISH in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, on July 29, to support 100 children with disabilities, together with their families, who are barely surviving on basic needs. The community-based project aims to assist selected parent-beneficiaries with allowances to provide their children with health care and education, as well as to address their needs via social services. As part of the project components, parents will receive a monthly subsidy of P2,000 to cover disability-related costs. Training is also to be provided to LGU implementers and caregivers on inclusive care management and preventing discrimination. The project was initiated this year and will end in December, with three pilot areas selected in Antique, Palawan, and Sta. Cruz due to the high presence of children with disabilities. According to a study presented by DSWD XI, health-related expenses are the primary driver of extra costs, wherein raising a child with special needs costs 40% to 80% more, and the poverty rate among affected households is 50% higher. Existing financial support mechanisms remain inadequate, with unmet needs that include education, healthcare access, and assistive devices.
