In addition to the innovative and progressive facilities in the Valenzuela Special Education Center (Valsped), the new Aqua Therapy Pool and Gross Motor Development Area were inaugurated and blessed on March 9, 2018.

The PhP 1.5 Million Aqua Therapy pool is for treatment and exercise-based activities aimed to help children with special needs in terms of relaxation, fitness, and physical rehabilitation. It is also the only public aqua therapy pool in Metro Manila.

Students will undergo an assessment to be conducted by the resident developmental pediatrician, Dr. Carmen Reyes, to be able to identify children who will need aqua therapy sessions. The center currently has four Physical Therapists Registered in the Philippines (PTRP) who will supervise and facilitate sessions.

Angelo Salvador, PTRP, emphasized the importance of having a facility which serves as a venue for children who have problems with mobility and proprioception or relative body strength, “because the aqua therapy pool employs the warm-water mechanism, it helps to tend muscle tension of children with special needs. It also allows for water-based exercise which improves the balance and equilibrium of children.”

The Gross Motor Development Area is intended to develop a child’s physical skills which involve body movements. The PhP 5 Million facility features various sports and gym equipment which are carefully and strategically placed to facilitate training in performing everyday activities such as walking, running, and jumping among others.

Compared to other parks and the existing Constantino Park in the Valsped grounds, the Gross Motor Development Area is particularly constructed to address the needs of children with cerebral palsy for gross motor function clarification system or the need for mobility and ambulation. The area has basketball, table tennis, and dart aimed to promote interaction and socialization among children.

“It is important to be able to provide them services that will be beneficial to their growth, and these new facilities will indeed be very helpful to our students’ welfare and development. And what’s best here is that it’s all free for our students,” said Valsped coordinator Dr. Teresita Pangan.

Currently, there are 755 students enrolled in Valsped. The center which opened in January 22, 2016 accepts Valenzuelanos with special needs from four years old and up. Applicants must submit a birth certificate, parent’s voters ID, and an assessment from a developmental pediatrician.

City Mayor REX Gatchalian alongside Dr. Pangan and Valenzuela Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Samson, lead the ceremonies.