BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

The Department of Education lauded Taguig’s Yakap Center for Children with Disabilities as a national model for inclusive education, therapy, and skills training.

During the inauguration on February 26, 2025, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching Jerome Buenviaje praised the facility, calling it a model that other local government units should follow.

“Nang makita ko ang inyong pasilidad, ang unang pumasok sa isip ko ay ‘Sana All,’” Asec. Buenviaje remarked. “Mapalad po kayo. Congratulations to our LGU Taguig for extending this blessing to the citizens of Taguig.”

As an advocate for special education, and the former Dean of the UP College of Education, Asec. Buenviaje emphasized that Taguig’s approach goes beyond expectations, setting a new gold standard for accessibility and support for children with disabilities.

“Sana ito ay maging modelo sa buong bansa,” he added. “Ibang level ang inyong pasilidad. Kung makikita ninyo ang facilities ng iba at ihahambing mo dito, talagang you are so blessed.”

He also underscored the importance of a strong partnership between DepEd and the Yakap Center, ensuring that programs reach more children in schools. While DepEd is working on providing funding for early diagnosis, he noted that Taguig is already ahead by offering these services for free.

Asec. Buenviaje believes the Yakap Center’s impact will extend beyond Taguig, serving as a benchmark for educators, policymakers, and LGUs across the country.

“I hope your center will be open for benchmarking for the rest of the country,” he said. “Sigurado ako, maraming mag-aaral at opisyal ang pupunta rito upang matuto mula sa inyo.”

Led by Mayor Lani Cayetano, the Yakap Center provides therapy, education, and life skills training to children with disabilities. The four-story facility features:

✅ Therapy services – including physical, occupational, and speech therapy

✅ Specialized consultations with rehabilitation doctors and developmental pediatricians

✅ Educational programs such as the Early Intervention Program, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program, and Braille Literacy Program

✅ Learning and creative spaces – including an E-Library, Music Room, Dance Studio, and Sensory Rooms

✅ A livelihood program through Equal Grounds Cafe, where children train as baristas, kitchen staff, and servers

As of February 2025, 265 children have already enrolled, benefiting from Taguig’s commitment to accessible, high-quality support.

Mayor Lani Cayetano emphasized that the Yakap Center is more than a facility—it’s a realization of Taguig’s commitment to inclusion. She expressed her happiness not just for the children but also for their parents and guardians, acknowledging their sacrifices.

“Alam po natin kung gaano kahirap ang kanilang sakripisyo—ang oras, ang pagod, at ang gastusin para sa bawat therapy at konsultasyon. Ang Yakap Center ay isang malaking hakbang upang maibsan ang kanilang mga pagsubok.”

She added that Taguig’s leadership ensures that dreams for a more inclusive city become reality.

“Ang programang ito ay patunay na sa Taguig, hindi lang tayo nagpa-plano—tinitiyak nating nagiging totoo ang ating mga pangarap para sa ating mga kababayan,” she said. “Mula pa noong 2010, kapag may pangarap tayo para sa ating lungsod, hindi natin ito tinitigilan hanggang maisakatuparan.”

*All Photos from Taguig PIO