Mayor Raisa Treñas Brings Holiday Cheer to 375 Children with Special Needs

The holiday season became more meaningful for 375 children with special needs following a gift-giving activity led by Mayor Raisa S. Treñas at Donato Pison Elementary School, in partnership with the Iloilo Hotels 21 Foundation and XYZ Global Express.

The beneficiaries were students from 10 DLREC SPED (DepEd Iloilo Regional Education Center – Special Education) centers, as well as learners from the city government’s RiseABLE Center. During the activity, the children received hygiene kits, school supplies, toys, snacks, and simple meals shared with their parents and guardians.

“This activity is a special advocacy of mine for children with special needs. We want them to feel loved, supported, and given the opportunity to enjoy simple but meaningful gifts,” Mayor Treñas said.

Beyond the distribution of gifts, the celebration featured games, mascots, and a magic show, which brought smiles and laughter to the children and their guardians throughout the program.

Mayor Treñas also shared good news during the event, announcing that starting January next year, the Iloilo City Government will provide free assessment services for children with special needs.

“Nagdala man kita sang good news sa kids — starting January, may libre na nga assessment para sa ila,” she said, underscoring the city’s commitment to early intervention.

She noted that special education holds a special place in her heart, which led to the launch of the RiseABLE program. “Malapit gid sa akon ang SPED, amo gani nga naglunsar kita sang RISEable, because I believe nga kun mas temprano ang intervention, mas daku ang tsansa nga mangin functional ang kabataan,” the mayor shared.

In line with sustained support beyond the Yuletide season, Mayor Treñas also directed the RiseABLE Center to account for the number of children with special needs in Iloilo City, as the local government plans to provide a monthly allowance for each registered child.

The mayor expressed her gratitude to the event partners, thanking the Iloilo 21 Hotels Association and XYZ Global Express, and gave special recognition to her husband, Francis, for helping organize the activity.

“Bilang isa ka iloy, kag iloy sang siyudad — ari lang kami, nagasuporta sa inyo kag sa inyo pamilya,” Mayor Treñas said, reaffirming the city government’s commitment to children with special needs and their families during the season of giving and beyond.