THE CALOOCAN City Government has launched Hope and Play: A Pod for Every Ability, a new center dedicated to providing intervention and support services for children with special needs and their families.

The initiative seeks to enhance assistance for children with developmental, behavioral, or learning challenges, while also empowering parents and guardians through specialized training programs.

Open from Monday to Friday, the center will offer a range of services including psychoeducational screening, language development programs, behavior management, learning support, and parent education.

Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan stressed the importance of making therapy and intervention services more accessible, noting the financial burden that many families face when raising children with special needs.

“The truth is, it’s expensive to raise a child with special needs, and not every family can afford therapy and other medical requirements,” Malapitan said.

“Through Hope and Play: A Pod for Every Ability, the City Government of Caloocan ensures that children with special needs receive the care and attention they deserve,” he added.

The mayor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of children and other vulnerable sectors, emphasizing that inclusivity and equal opportunity remain central to the city’s social programs.