THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office-Davao, in partnership with Unicef, the local government of Sta. Cruz, and several government agencies launched the Mindanao pilot of Project Cherish: Disability-Inclusive Social Protection on July 29, 2025, in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
The project aims to improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families by providing financial assistance, establishing a national registry system, and offering caregiver training for more effective support at home and in the community.
During the event, 100 families received P6,000 in cash aid, plus an additional P4,000 from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (Aics) program.
Formally introduced in October 2024, Project Cherish is being piloted in three areas across the country: San Jose de Buenavista (Antique), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), and Sta. Cruz (Davao del Sur) — with Sta. Cruz serves as the pilot site for Mindanao.
Each participating family receives a P10,000 monthly support package covering essential needs such as food, health services, therapy, and caregiver education. The goal is to empower families to provide sustained, inclusive care and to help children with disabilities live with dignity and equal opportunity.
One of the program’s beneficiaries, 33-year-old single mother Jellia Fernandez, shared how the assistance is helping her care for her eight-year-old son, Joshua, who was born with a cleft palate.
“Pasalamat gyud kos tabang nga ing-ani (I’m thankful for the help like this),” Jellia told SunStar Davao.
With support from the DSWD and the Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc. (MCFI), Joshua is now scheduled to receive his second surgery later this year, something that would have been out of reach without the intervention.
Jellia also praised the responsiveness of the Sta. Cruz local government and DSWD case workers, saying their presence has made a meaningful difference in her son’s journey.
According to DSWD-Davao Assistant Regional Director for Operations Merlinda A. Paragamac, Sta. Cruz was selected as the pilot site for Mindanao because of its well-organized and up-to-date database on children with disabilities, a crucial factor in delivering targeted and effective assistance.
In an ambush interview with SunStar Davao, Paragamac explained that the department will continue to monitor the progress of beneficiaries like Jellia and Joshua through sustained case management and active coordination with health service providers.
She emphasized that the goal of Project Cherish goes beyond one-time financial aid. It is designed to build a long-term, structured support system that includes access to healthcare, therapy, livelihood opportunities, and education for children with disabilities and their families. She also said the DSWD, in partnership with Unicef and local stakeholders, remains committed to refining the program based on the results of its pilot phase.
Meanwhile, DSWD and Unicef hope that the lessons gathered from pilot sites like Sta. Cruz will serve as a blueprint for the nationwide rollout of Cherish. The ultimate aim is to establish a sustainable and inclusive social protection model that empowers families and ensures that no child with a disability is left behind. DEF