Manila, Sept. 7 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) announced Monday that 150 children with disabilities in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur have been identified as pilot beneficiaries of Project Aruga.

The program seeks to detect disabilities early, connect children to appropriate services, provide disability support allowances, improve access to health and education, strengthen caregiving, and promote disability-inclusive communities.

In a press briefing here, Baby Jane Sarmiento, Project Development Officer II of DSWD-11's Social Technology Unit, said beneficiaries were selected after home profiling, assessment, validation and deliberation by local project implementers.

"We give them cash assistance...