The initiative commenced with the program’s formal launch during the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on December 3, held at the Taw Kabui for a Child, Inc. Headquarters, followed by the second payout activity on December 4 at the Puerto Princesa City Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).

Project Aruga is a social technology intervention of the DSWD STU that aims to augment the capacity of families with children with disabilities through financial assistance and access to specialized support services. The program also promotes convergence by linking beneficiaries with partner organizations and service providers that offer disability-related interventions and developmental support for children.

Participants to the activities included parent-beneficiaries of Project Aruga, representatives from the Local Government Unit of Puerto Princesa City, partner organizations, and personnel from the DSWD National and Regional Program Management Offices (NPMO/RPMO).

To further strengthen parental support systems, DSWD staff facilitated peer-to-peer learning sessions, enabling parents to exchange experiences, coping strategies, and practical guidance. The activity fostered a sense of shared responsibility and mutual encouragement among families caring for children with disabilities.

These activities highlight the Department’s continued efforts to promote inclusive development, strengthen local partnerships, and ensure that social protection programs remain responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities and their families.