STAC Health Literacy Program

by Joanna Reyes Tay, PTRP

The Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center Kalibo held its First Health Literacy Program (STAC Parents’ Training Program) last month at the Child Help Center of the St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Kalibo, Aklan.

The event was made possible thru the wholehearted support of the Rotary Club of Kalibo, Local Government Unit of Kalibo, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo, Mr. Bebot Lao and ANHSAT Interact Club.

Five important and relevant topics were discussed by five interesting speakers namely: Rev. Fr. Glenn C. Magpusao, Ms. Prescy P. Magallanes, Ms. Crescini S. Roxas, Atty. Marienne Ibadlit, and Dr. Arnold I. Jayme. Topics discussed were the following: Raising Children With High Spiritual Values, Paren-ting Children With Disabilities, Basic Nutrition for Children, Rights of Children With Disabilities, and Common Diseases in Children.

Hon. Lilian Q. Tirol, SB on Health welcomed the participants. She briefly talked about the roles of the LGU Kalibo over the STAC program/project. Another highlight of the program was the meaningful sharing of Mrs. Cleofe Templonuevo, a STAC parent with a daughter affected with Viral Meningitis who recovered thru the help of STAC. Mrs. Gloria Solmirano, president of Rotary Spouses of the Rotary Club of Kalibo gave a very heart warming closing message.

There were 45 devoted mothers who made it to the event, 15 energetic STAC staff and volunteers and 17 guests from other STAC satellite centers and fellow Rotarians too.

The Health Literacy Program aims to empower parents of children with disabilities, to deepen their involvement in the treatment, monitoring and evaluation of their children’s progress, to develop their capacities so they can be effective advocates of the children’s rights. And most of all, to LOVE these SPECIAL KIDS unconditionally as Jesus loves us. /MP