The Legazpi City government is expanding its support for children with special needs by providing financial assistance and establishing a rehabilitation facility to ensure access to developmental services.

Mayor Hisham Ismail said at least 1,666 families with members or children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental and learning disabilities will receive P3,000 each during a cash payout on April 21 and 22.

Beneficiaries were identified through a 2025 profiling, the first of its kind in the city, which covered families with children who have autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental or mental challenges.

“Through the profiling, we saw that this sector is among the most vulnerable. Many of them cannot stand on their own, and for a long time, they have not been given enough attention,” Ismail said.

He said the initiative marks the first time the city government has provided direct financial aid to families with children with special needs.

Ismail said this support is part of a larger effort as the city is also setting up a facility offering free therapy and developmental assessments.

The facility will be situated on the ground floor of a three-story building in Barangay Bonot, previously called the Bicol Hair building, and will cater to children in need of rehabilitation services.

“Therapy and developmental pediatric assessment are among the most expensive services that parents cannot afford. Through this facility, we aim to make these services accessible,” he said.

Ismail said the building will undergo rehabilitation, with procurement being finalized and work expected to start this year.

He said the city has yet to determine whether the number of beneficiaries will increase in the coming years, noting this will depend on data generated once the facility becomes operational.