Davao City special needs center records 1K sign-ups
The Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC), a facility dedicated to early childhood intervention, has already recorded around 1,200 sign-ups in just a few months of operation.
The center, which caters to children aged 0 to 6 years old, provides free service and programs for Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech or Language Impairment, Specific Learning Disorder, Physical Disability, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment/Hearing Loss, Sensory Delays, and cognitive delays.
Dr. Ferriza Maria A. Isaguirre, Development Pediatrician of DCSNICC, said that the number of sign-ups reflected the growing awareness and acceptance of early childhood intervention.
“Since we started the Davao City Special Need Intervention Center, there are already around one thousand two hundred sign ups. Ibig sabihin may nagpa linya na 1,200 children (Since we started the Davao City Special Need Intervention Center, there are already around one thousand two hundred sign ups. That means there are 1,200 children in line),” she told Usapang Pambata: Special Office for Children’s Concern (SOCC) over Davao City Disaster Radio on January 6, 2026.
Isaguirre explained that the center offers a comprehensive range of programs including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. There is also a special education services, playgroup program, auditory hearing tests, developmental evaluation and other medical groups that would offer free services.
Beyond the therapy, DCSNICC also helps parents, through its social workers, to help them understand the misconceptions that delays critical intervention.
“Part of the things that we want to do in the center is to help them understand. Naay mga program para sa ginikanan nga gina educate sila unsa ni and our social workers also help in letting the parents understand. So ang aming ginatry ipakita sa parent is you have to help your child. The only person, the first person who can help your child is you and that comes with accepting that your child needs help (Part of the things that we want to do in the center is to help them understand. There are programs for parents that educate them and our social workers also help them to understand. So what we want to show the parents is that you have to help your child. The only person, the first person who can help your child is you and that comes with accepting that your child needs help),” she added.
As the center nears its first year, DCSNICC has already demonstrated both the urgent demand for early intervention and the city’s determination to build a future where no child is left behind.
“Davao City residents are very fortunate that we have this type of service that we are giving the people of Davao City. Because we know, just based on the number, daghan gyud nanginahanglan and the services are really meant for those who cannot afford the private type of services (Davao City residents are very fortunate that we have this type of service that we are giving the people of Davao City. Because we know, just based on the number, there are many who are in need and the services are really meant for those who cannot afford the private type of services),” she said. CIO
Written by: K. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
ARTICOL EDITAT:
A Lifeline for Davao City’s Children: Early Intervention Center Sees Overwhelming Demand
Published January 7, 2026, at 08:17 AM
Addressing a Critical Need
The Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center for Children (DCSNICC) is rapidly becoming a vital resource for families, recording approximately 1,200 sign-ups within just a few months of opening. This surge in demand underscores a significant, previously unmet need for early childhood intervention services in the region.
Comprehensive Services, Free of Charge
DCSNICC offers a broad spectrum of free programs designed to support children aged 0 to 6 facing a variety of challenges. These include Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech or Language Impairment, Specific Learning Disorder, Physical Disability, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment/Hearing Loss, Sensory Delays, and cognitive delays. The center’s offerings extend beyond direct therapy to include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education services, and a playgroup program. Additionally, the center provides auditory hearing tests and comprehensive developmental evaluations, alongside access to other essential medical services.
This comprehensive approach is particularly significant given the financial barriers that often prevent families from accessing private intervention services. According to Dr. Ferriza Maria A. Isaguirre, Development Pediatrician at DCSNICC, the center’s services are “really meant for those who cannot afford the private type of services.”
Empowering Parents Through Education and Support
Recognizing that a child’s progress is inextricably linked to parental involvement, DCSNICC places a strong emphasis on supporting families. Social workers are integral to the center’s approach, working to educate parents about their child’s condition and dispel common misconceptions that can delay crucial intervention.
“Part of the things that we want to do in the center is to help them understand,” Dr. Isaguirre explained. “So what we want to show the parents is that you have to help your child. The only person, the first person who can help your child is you and that comes with accepting that your child needs help.” This focus on parental empowerment is a cornerstone of the center’s philosophy.
A Growing Awareness and a City’s Commitment
The high number of sign-ups – reaching 1,200 as of January 6, 2026 – isn’t just a reflection of need, but also of increasing awareness and acceptance of the importance of early intervention. Dr. Isaguirre believes this demonstrates a positive shift in societal attitudes towards children with developmental differences.
Davao City’s investment in DCSNICC signals a strong commitment to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. As the center approaches its first anniversary, it has already proven the urgent demand for these services and the city’s dedication to building an inclusive future.
Understanding Early Intervention: A Quick Guide
Early intervention refers to services provided to infants and young children (typically birth to age 5) who have, or are at risk of developing, a disability or developmental delay. These services can include therapy, education, and support for families. Here’s a breakdown of common types of intervention:
| Intervention Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Speech Therapy | Addresses communication challenges, including articulation, language comprehension, and fluency. |
| Occupational Therapy | Focuses on developing fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living skills. |
| Physical Therapy | Improves gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and mobility. |
| Special Education | Provides individualized instruction to address specific learning needs. |