There are plans for a nationwide adoption of Camp Pag-ibig, the Quezon City government-led multi-sectoral effort of providing children with special needs the opportunities to integrate and socialize into the mainstream of society.
QC Congressman Jorge “Bolet” Banal said that if plans do not miscarry, Camp Pag-ibig will be launched simultaneously in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in February next year in time for the celebration of the 40th year of anniversary of the yearly day camp.
Already, Congressman Banal has requested the organizers of Camp Pag-ibig in Metro Manila, including the QC government, Department of Education – National Capital Region, Manila Water and Capitol Jaycees, to coordinate closely with their counterparts and corporate partners in Cebu in the Visayas region and Davao area in Mindanao, to ensure the nationwide adoption of the program by next year.
“Hopefully, the plan will materialize,” said Congressman Banal, who also sits as overall camp director of the annual Camp Pag-ibig hosted by the QC government.
While Camp Pag-ibig was launched in 1976, it was only in 1979 that the city government began hosting the activity.
Every year since 1976, children with physical and mental disabilities gather together for Camp Pag-ibig, a Valentine’s Day celebration, to spread the gift of love to children with special needs.
This year, camp organizers are exerting all efforts to make the 39th Camp Pag-ibig onFebruary 15 at the Balara Filter Plant grounds more meaningful not only to the participants, but also to the parents as well.
Camp organizers are expecting about 2,000 participants this year, to represent the 17 school divisions in the NCR. All special education schools in NCR will be represented inSunday’s activity. The schools division of Antipolo City is also an active participant to Camp Pag-ibig.
To date, Mayor Herbert has already ordered key departments and offices of the city government to coordinate efforts to ensure the success of this year’s camp. Chief among which are the social services development department, public affairs and information services office, department of public order and safety and the parks development and administration department.
Aside from Congressman Banal, Camp Pag-ibig organizers also include former QC Councilor Jorge Banal, Sr. and Dr. Teresita Inciong, who are both representing the Philippine Association for Intellectual Disability, Inc. (PAFID).
Also actively involved in the preparations are representatives of the JCI-QC Capitol, Manila Water Company, DepEd-NCR, QC Division of City Schools and St. Catherine SPL Learning Center.
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
