Pangasinan: The provincial government of Pangasinan is set to establish holistic therapy centers for children with special needs in each of its six districts.

According to Philippines News Agency, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino announced the initiative in an interview, revealing that the centers will be called Building Resilience through Inclusive Growth and Holistic Therapy (BRIGHT) Centers. These centers are designed to be more than just therapy facilities; they aim to provide a comprehensive support system that includes parent education, caregiver training, early intervention strategies, and skills development tailored to each child's specific needs.

The initiative seeks to integrate therapy services with capacity building for parents, empowering families to actively participate in their child's development. This approach is expected to promote continuity of care at home, improve outcomes for children, and ensure efficient use of public resources. Lambino highlighted that the establishment of BRIGHT Centers addresses the challenges families face when navigating therapy, education, and daily care on their own, which often results in delayed interventions and additional stress.

Lambino has authored an ordinance titled "Building resilience through inclusive growth and holistic therapy in the province of Pangasinan," which formalizes the establishment of these centers. He emphasized the importance of this measure, stating that no child or family in Pangasinan should be deprived of proper guidance and support due to lack of access.

The centers will be operated by the provincial government and integrated into existing hospital facilities. Lambino mentioned that the initiative also involves collaboration with Pangasinan Polytechnic College, providing students with practical facilities to work in, thus merging programs in education and health.