Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. has proposed an ordinance creating the Children’s Developmental and Therapeutic Services Center (CDTSC) of Baguio City.
The CDTSC is a facility that provides affordable and specialized therapy for children with developmental delays, disabilities, or special educational needs.
The center will adopt a hybrid model combining in-person, nature-based therapy and teletherapy to ensure accessible services for all barangays. It aims to promote early intervention, holistic development, and social integration for the city’s youngest residents.
The CDTSC will be established under the administrative supervision of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and will primarily cater to children aged zero to 12 who are identified with, or at risk of, developmental delays or disabilities. Priority will be given to indigent and marginalized families to ensure that those who need assistance the most will have access to quality therapeutic services.
Core services of the center include early screening and assessment conducted in coordination with the City Health Services Office (CHSO) and barangay health workers, as well as center-based therapeutic interventions such as occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and physical therapy.
The center will also provide parent and caregiver training programs to empower families to continue therapy at home, along with socialization and group activities to promote behavioral and social development.
The ordinance mandates a hybrid service delivery model that integrates Eco-Therapy in Baguio’s public green spaces and tele-therapy sessions through a secure digital platform. This approach allows children to benefit from both nature-based activities and remote therapy support and addresses geographical and traffic challenges across the city.
The CDTSC will also promote partnerships with local colleges and universities. It will facilitate clinical research, internship programs, and pro-bono expert consultation to strengthen the quality and reach of services.
A Management and Oversight Committee (MOC) will govern the center, ensuring effective operations, staff hiring, policy formulation, and annual performance reporting to the Baguio City Council.
Funding for the CDTSC will be ensured through an initial allocation of P2 million from the city’s general fund, with continuous annual appropriations included in the budget of the CSWDO.
The ordinance guarantees that services remain affordable, with provisions for free therapy for indigent families. The center will institutionalize sustainable support for children with special needs across the city.
The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council on November 1, 2025 and was referred to the Committee on Health and Sanitation, Ecology, and Environmental Protection for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling
