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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Social Technology Bureau (STB), has officially launched Project Aruga, a community-based initiative designed to support children with disabilities and their families through financial assistance, strengthened case management, and improved access to essential services. Project Aruga aims to establish holistic quality care and support to children with disabilities and their families and intends to provide disability allowance to the parents of children with disability as an augmentation support to their basic needs, health care, and education. The project held its pilot implementation in the following areas: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan in Region IV-B (MIMAROPA); the municipalities of San Jose de Buenavista; Antique in Region 6 (Western Visayas); and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur in Region 11 (Davao Region), and was recently launched in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte in Region I (Ilocos Region). “Kaya po holistic ang ating proyekto at ating bibigyan ang mga benepisyaryo hindi lamang ng financial grant kundi ng non-monetary assistance at mas importante ay capacity building sa mga magulang at care providers ng benepisyaryo,” Undersecretary Eduardo Punay of the DSWD’s Innovation and Program Development (IPD) Group said during the pilot implementation launching in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte last October 21. In his message, Undersecretary Punay emphasized the importance of prioritizing children with disabilities, noting that they are among the most at risk. The “Aruga” project will also strengthen the registry and assessment system for children with disabilities, improve referral pathways for health, education, and livelihood services, and enhance the capability of caregivers and local implementers in delivering quality and compassionate care. Undersecretary Punay affirmed that Project Aruga is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to ensure that the government’s social protection programs reach all sectors in need. “Bilin po sa amin sa DSWD ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na siguraduhing mabibigyan ng intervention ang lahat ng sektor ng mahihirap at bulnerable. Kaya po ating sinimulan itong Aruga Project,” Undersecretary Punay said. The DSWD hopes that the pilot implementation will generate practical results that will help strengthen the project design and support its expansion to a wider national implementation in 2026. (KI)
