Taguig City’s Yakap Center for Children with Disabilities has been hailed by the Department of Education (DepEd) as a leading example of inclusive education and therapy. The center, located in Barangay Calzada-Tipas, was officially opened on February 26, 2025, and spans four stories, offering a range of services designed to support children with various disabilities.
The facility provides essential therapy services including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with specialized consultations from rehabilitation doctors and developmental pediatricians. Educational offerings include the Early Intervention Program, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program, and Braille Literacy Program. Additionally, the center features creative and learning spaces such as an E-Library, Music Room, Dance Studio, and Sensory Rooms.
Beyond medical and educational support, the Yakap Center introduces a livelihood program through the Equal Grounds Cafe, situated adjacent to the center. This initiative allows beneficiaries to gain practical work experience as baristas, kitchen staff, and servers, fostering job skills and promoting self-sufficiency.
DepEd Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching, Jerome Buenviaje, lauded the center during its inauguration, suggesting it as a model for other local government units (LGUs) to emulate. He expressed his admiration, stating, “When I saw your facility, the first thing that came to my mind was ‘I wish everyone has it.’ You are lucky. Congratulations to our LGU Taguig for extending this blessing to the citizens of Taguig.”
Buenviaje, a strong advocate for special education and former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Education, highlighted Taguig’s approach as setting a new benchmark for accessibility and support for children with disabilities. He emphasized the importance of a robust partnership between DepEd and the Yakap Center to extend these programs to more children in schools.
Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano emphasized the city’s commitment to inclusion, stating, “This program shows that in Taguig, we don’t just plan – we ensure that our aspirations for our constituents become a reality.”
Currently, the Yakap Center serves 265 children with a variety of conditions including autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and speech-language disorders. With a dedicated team of medical professionals, therapists, and educators, the center aims to offer a comprehensive approach to the well-being of its young attendees.