City Administrator Wilmer S. Panabang, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) officer Imelda Ruiz, and City Councilor Helen Bumagat led the blessing and ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Village chiefs, parents and CWDs of the nine beneficiary-barangays were also present to witness the simple rites.

Conveniently located along the national highway, the Alos mini-STAC caters to CWDs from Bolaney, Amandiego, Balayang, Maawi, Quibuar, Tangcarang, Bisocol, Linmansangan and the host barangay.

Alos Center is just one of the five mini-STACs that the city government is set to establish this year, said Ruiz at simple program held shortly at the barangay auditorium after the opening and blessing rites.

She said the city government will put up the other mini-STACs in four cluster areas to cover the whole city.

CSWD has already identified San Vicente, Telbang, Sta. Maria, and Baley-daan as strategic locations for the four mini-STACs to be constructed soon.

“This (mini-STACs) is one of the priority thrusts of our beloved mayor Hernani A. Braganza that puts premium on understanding and attending the needs of our CWDs,” said the social welfare and development officer.

“Now that our center is within reach, there are no more reasons for our parents not to avail of the free and comprehensive services that the mini-STAC is offering to their children,” she added.

“We have to complement the effort and concern shown by the city government and our local councils towards our CWDs by the continuous outpouring of love and attention and by bringing them to the nearest mini-STAC for their holistic development and also for our parents to improve their understanding on the condition of their child.”

In his message, Panabang said that the initiative to develop capacities of CWDs for them to become productive members of our community is part of the “Alaminian Families First Policy” of the city mayor.

This is why the Braganza administration is steadfast in the implementation of community-based programs that promote wellness and development among city’s residents, he added.

“Let us continue supporting all these programs of the government through concerted effort and renewed commitment for us to achieve our dreams for our children, our family and our city.”

Recognizing the current plight of parents in bringing their children to the city’s STAC center at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital compound, Braganza vowed late last year that the city government will bring the center “near there homes.”

The mayor made good his promise with the opening of the first center here and facilitating the construction of four more mini-STACs, thereby, making it the center more accessible to CWDs.

This year, the city government has allocated bigger budget not only for the city’s Bright Child Program but also for the mini-STACs in the barangays which include the procurement of basic equipment for therapy, educational materials and accessories for treatment.

The Association of Barangay Captains (ABC)-City Chapter, as its commitment to the program, has also set aside P 78, 000 or P 2,000 for each barangay for the operational expenses of the mini-STAC.

“Our children (with disabilities) need help and our local government response was swift and comprehensive through this STAC program,” said Bumagat.

The president of the association of barangay captains (ABC) then assured the city government of there league’s full support in making the mini-STACs truly a perfect, stimulating and welcoming place for children with disabilities.

Antonio Cortez, head of the host barangay, said Alos quickly grab the opportunity to host the center citing that it will be of great ben