The Taguig City government opened the Taguig Yakap Center for Children with Disabilities in Barangay Calzada-Tipas.
The facility will provide therapy, education, and special programs for children to develop their skills and gain independence.
Mayor Lani Cayetano said this is the first center for children with disabilities in the Philippines that is fully operated by a local government unit.
“Ang bagong center na ito ay maghahatid ng iba’t ibang Medical Service, Therapeutic Intervention, at Educational Support para sa mga differently-abled na #KabataangTaguigueño. Malaking hakbang ito sa pangarap nating matugunan at tutukan ang kanilang pangangailangan (“This new center will deliver various Medical Services, Therapeutic Interventions, and Educational Support for the differently-abled #KabataangTaguigueño. This is a big step in our dream of meeting and addressing their needs),” she posted on Facebook.
Mayor Lani Cayetano and other city officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Taguig Yakap Center (Photos from Mayor Cayetano's Facebook account)
Joining the mayor at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Education Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching Jerome Buenviaje, Taguig Yakap Center director Zarah Claire Cuenca, Taguig-Pateros Rep. Ricardo Cruz Jr., City Administrator Jose Luis Montales, Executive Assistant for Health Dr. Cecille Montales, Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office Head Larry Supaz, city councilors, and barangay officials.
The Yakap Center offers medical and therapy services such as pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
As of February 2025, the center has enrolled 265 children, catering to a wide range of medical and developmental conditions, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and speech-language disorders.
At the center, children can also get specialized consultations with rehabilitation doctors and developmental pediatricians.
Educational programs are available for different age groups, such as the Early Intervention Program for children as young as three, a Transition Program for older kids, a Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program, a Braille Literacy Program, and a Pre-Vocational Program for those preparing for work and independent living.
The facility has the following:
- E-Library and Multimedia Room for accessible education
- Arts & Crafts Room, Music Room, and Dance Studio for creative expression
- Early Intervention and Transition Rooms to support learning and development
- Hydrotherapy and Sensory Rooms for rehabilitation
- Therapy rooms for physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Braille signage on room entrances for accessibility
The Taguig Yakap Center (Photos from Mayor Cayetano's Facebook account)