Davao City Special Needs Center Serves 1,200 Children in First Year of Operation
The Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC) has made significant strides in its inaugural year, providing crucial services to over a thousand young beneficiaries. According to center director Melody Pardillo, the facility has catered to approximately 1,200 children since it began operations, with 1,114 children officially enrolled in its programs. The center continues to accept new enrollees seeking its specialized services.
Demographic Breakdown and Eligibility Requirements
Pardillo revealed that 80 percent of the children receiving care at DCSNICC are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The remaining 20 percent comprise children with various other conditions, including:
- Learning disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Hearing and language impairments
To qualify for the program, families must present a certificate of indigence, ensuring that beneficiaries lack the financial capacity to access private therapy centers. Additionally, applicants must be residents of Davao City, and the center exclusively serves children aged zero to six years old.
Comprehensive Service Offerings
DCSNICC functions as a one-stop shop for special needs intervention, offering a wide range of services completely free of charge. The center employs two in-house developmental pediatricians who conduct evaluations and manage children's behavior to establish proper diagnoses.
The therapeutic services provided include:
- Physical therapy
- Aqua therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Beyond therapy, the institution offers special needs education through dedicated teachers, audiology services for hearing assessments, and social welfare services for families in need.
Staff Composition and Expansion Plans
The center currently operates with a dedicated team of professionals, including:
- Two developmental pediatricians
- One audiologist
- One aqua therapist
- Five physical therapists
- One occupational therapist
- One speech pathologist
- Fourteen Special Needs Education (SNED) teachers
Looking ahead to 2026, DCSNICC plans to expand its staff by hiring psychologists and nurses in the first quarter. Due to high demand, particularly for occupational therapy services with many children on waiting lists, the center aims to recruit five additional occupational therapists and one more speech pathologist.
Historical Background and Establishment
The DCSNICC was established through City Ordinance 0230-20, authored by Councilor Antoinette Principe and approved in 2020. The project was initiated under the leadership of then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (now Vice President) and continued by current Acting City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Operating under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the center was formally inaugurated and began operations on March 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Davao City's commitment to supporting children with special needs and their families.
