Measure establishes center for children with disabilities

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City council has approved an ordinance institutionalizing the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC), a place which also provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to children with disabilities.

The ordinance said Article 13 Section ll of the Constitution states the inclusion of persons with disabilities as one of the priority sectors that shall be given access to essential goods, health and social services.

Republic Act 7277 known as the "Magna Carta for Disabled Persons" provides that the state shall adopt policies ensuring the rehabilitation, self-development and self reliance of persons with disabilities and their integration into the mainstream of society.

The ordinance also states that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities promotes, protects and ensure full participation and enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedom by all persons with disabilities.

Republic Act 7160 known as the Local Government Code of 1991 mandates all local government agencies to provide programs to uplift the plight of persons with disabilities especially in the aspect of rehabilitation.

The Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc., in partnership with the Danish Society of Polio and Accident Victims with funding support from the Danish International Development Assistance implemented the Breaking Barriers for Children project through establishment of Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center which provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to children with disabilities.

Lapu-Lapu City as partner of KAMPI in the implementation of Breaking Barriers for Children project has the main thrust to promote the health and welfare of its constituents especially children with disabilities and development of programs and services towards providing equal opportunities full participation and integration in the society.

It further said that as agreed upon by KAMPI and Lapu-Lapu, the STAC located at Soong 1, Mactan which commenced operations April 2008 and shall be turned over to the local government on September after 2 ½ years of implementation as per BBC project design.

STAC Lapu-Lapu, during its 30 months of operation has identified and is currently providing free comprehensive rehabilitation services to Children with disabilities. (FREEMAN)