TEN YEARS OF COMPASSION: Continuing the Commitment to Children with Special Needs

On October 11, 2026, the Rotary Club of Makati North (RCMN) and the Rotaract Club of Barangay Sta. Cruz once again joined hands in conducting the Free Screening for Children with Special Needs (formerly known as the Free Clinic for Children with Special Needs) at San Pedro Central Elementary School. This year's activity marked a significant milestone: the project's 10th anniversary since its inception in 2016.

What began as a flagship project under the leadership of PP Melissa Rafols has grown into a meaningful annual commitment to children with special needs and their families. From its very first year, PP Melissa has remained actively involved, returning year after year to continue the mission she started. Joining her is the club's Charter President, PP Michelle Rafols, who has likewise continued to lead and participate in the screenings, serving as one of the dedicated therapists behind this initiative. A decade later, the very people who helped bring the project to life remain steadfast in their commitment, proving that genuine service is not just about starting something meaningful, but about having the heart to sustain it.

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The project was once again made possible through the dedication of the same team of therapists who have consistently shared their time and expertise throughout the years. Also joining for the second consecutive year were the Rotaract Club of Santa Rosa Sentro, Interact Club of Sta. Rosa Science and Technology High School, Interact Club of Canossa School, and Interact Club of Maximo Estrella Senior High School. Their participation strengthened the spirit of collaboration and helped make the screenings accessible to more children.

Beyond the celebration of ten years of service, however, this initiative continues to highlight a pressing concern faced by children with special needs and their families: the limited availability of qualified therapists. With an estimated ratio of only one therapist for every 20,000 people, access to specialized care remains a significant challenge. Finding even one available specialist can be difficult, more so when families need access to all three essential services—Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Special Needs Education (SNED)—in one location.

For families who seldom have the opportunity to access these services, a screening activity such as this means far more than a scheduled appointment. It provides children with an opportunity to be assessed by professionals who can help identify their developmental needs and recommend appropriate interventions and support. For many families, opportunities like this are rare, making every available slot especially valuable.

This year, 85 children underwent screening with all three specialists, resulting in a total of 255 screening sessions. Originally scheduled from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the activity extended until 6:00 PM to ensure that every child who came was accommodated. With only seven therapists available throughout the day, the workload meant hours of consecutive sessions, with barely enough time to rest between children.

"Minsan na lang po eh."

This simple yet poignant statement, shared by some of the families, captured just how much the opportunity meant to them. For many, access to professional assessment and guidance is not something they can easily obtain on an ordinary day. They came because they knew how valuable—and how rare—this opportunity was.

The therapists, despite the physically demanding schedule, continued to attend to every child. As the day grew longer, they acknowledged the challenge: "Physically impossible talaga… pero nandito na sila." Their words reflected both the exhaustion of the moment and their deep understanding of why they needed to persevere. Having seen the families make the effort to come, turning anyone away was simply not an option they wanted to consider.

Standing alongside the therapists throughout the day were the SNED teachers of San Pedro Central Elementary School, who helped ensure that the children were accommodated from morning until evening. Their support underscored the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility. This was not an effort carried by the therapists alone, but a collective expression of compassion involving everyone who recognized the importance of making these services available.

Ten years after its inception, the Free Screening for Children with Special Needs remains a project that people willingly return to, support, and dedicate their time to. The continued presence of the leaders who started it, the therapists who generously provide their expertise, the teachers who stayed until the last child was accommodated, and the families who came seeking help all affirm one undeniable truth: the need for this project remains as important today as it was when it first began.

Perhaps this is the true meaning of celebrating ten years—not simply the number of years the project has endured, but the people who have remained committed to its purpose. It is about showing up, year after year, despite the challenges, because there are still children who need help and families who need hope.

A decade of compassion. A decade of service. And a commitment that continues.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to be understood, supported, and given a chance to reach their fullest potential.

Written by: RAC IPP Akilah Alonzo, Rotaract Club of Brgy Sta Cruz sponsored by RC Makati North