San Roque Dam hosts special children

SAN MANUEL, Pangasinan ,Philippines  – Some 29 special children with their parents and guardians had a fun-filled day at the San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam here recently.

The activity dubbed “Beyond Pixels Beyond Borders” was organized by SM Supermalls, particularly SM City Rosales in cooperation with the Autism Society of the Philippines and Photography With a Difference (PWD).

The special children were from the Stimulation Therapeutic Activity Center of Rosales town. Also participating in the activity were members of the different photography clubs from Tarlac and Pangasinan provinces.

“The special day for the special kids highlights the kids’ abilities beyond their disabilities, and captures their genuine emotions beyond imperfections,” said Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls vice president for operations and chairman of the PWD committee.

“This workshop conveys through photography that children with disabilities are normal in other ways,” he added.

Rosales town mayor Ric Revita thanked SM City Rosales, the San Roque Power Corp. (SRPC), and other sponsors as well as the parents of the special children.

Bong Deopedo, father of seven-year-old Bryan, of Sta.Maria town said it was a good time for him and his son.

Ace photographer John Chua, founder of the PWD, noted, “This is a one worry-free day for the parents. We are helping each other make a difference to give that one free day for these parents and hopefully give good pictures for these parents for them to keep the memories fresh forever.”

Chua said that the photographers and other supporters have only one purpose and that is “to capture the bond between the special children and the parents.”

Aside from some briefings on photography, the special children also enjoyed kite flying, an art workshop at the SRPC clubhouse and poolside.

The activity was also highlighted by a trip to the top of the San Roque Dam where the children had close encounters with giant tilapia at the dam’s reservoir.