A lifeline before age 6: Davao City’s free therapy hub changes futures for kids with special needs on NewsLine Philippines - Building Information Highway for the Community
DAVAO CITY (January 23) — For many families in the city, early therapy for children with special needs is often out of reach—too costly, too far, or simply unavailable. The Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC) is changing that reality by offering free, comprehensive early childhood intervention for children from birth to age 6.
Today, 1,114 children are officially enrolled in the city-run center, nearly filling its 1,200-slot capacity—a clear sign, officials say, of the growing demand for early diagnosis and therapy among low-income families.
“Our center is a one-stop shop for early childhood intervention,” said Melody Pardillo, DCSNICC manager, in an interview over Disaster Radio.
At DCSNICC, parents don’t have to shuttle from clinic to clinic. Children are first evaluated by developmental pediatricians, who help determine diagnoses and therapy plans—all at no cost. From there, families can access physical, occupational, aqua, and speech therapy, special needs education, hearing assessments, and even social welfare support for parents navigating the challenges of care.
The center supports children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, global developmental delay, speech and language impairment, learning disorders, physical, visual and hearing impairments, sensory delays, and other cognitive challenges.
While the facility caters to a wide range of needs, Pardillo said about 80 percent of enrolled children are on the autism spectrum, underscoring the importance of early screening and intervention.
Behind the scenes is a growing team of specialists—developmental pediatricians, therapists, special education teachers, an audiologist, and child care professionals—working together to support each child’s development. The city is set to strengthen the team further with the hiring of a psychologist, nurse, and additional therapists in the first quarter of the year.
Children may continue availing of services up to age 7, depending on medical recommendations.
The program is completely free, but prioritizes families who need it most. Parents must present a Certificate of Indigency or proof of low income from the City Social Welfare and Development Office, along with a barangay certificate of residency, to ensure services reach Davao City residents who cannot afford private therapy.
“Ang among gi-serbisyohan kay kadtong walay kapasidad nga mobayad sa private therapy centers ug residente gyud sa Davao City,” Pardillo said.
Looking ahead, the city has earmarked ₱6 million this year to improve the center’s facilities—roofing the aqua therapy pool, expanding therapy spaces, and soundproofing rooms for hearing and speech assessments.
For families who once faced long waits or impossible fees, the center offers something priceless: a chance to intervene early, while development is still most flexible.
City officials say that by investing early, Davao is not just providing therapy—it is giving children a better start, and families renewed hope, long before a child’s sixth birthday.
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A lifeline before age 6: Davao City’s free therapy hub changes futures for kids with special needs
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