Geared with a different learning resource space, a total of 1,856 Learners with Disabilities (LWDs), together with their parents participated in different activities which aims to develop trust, self-confidence, personal and social skills, and desirable values among them as the 17^th Special Children (SPED) Holiday was held at the Valenzuela City People’s Park Amphitheater, December 12.

Organized by the City Government of Valenzuela and Division of City Schools – Valenzuela, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Christmas and year-end event for the City’s Learners with Disabilities (LWDs) was again held to foster teamwork, friendship, and understanding among Learners with Disabilities and parents, SPED teachers and therapists, city and school officials, and other SPED advocates.

Joining the Learners with Disabilities (LWDs) and their parents during the activity are the students and educators from different schools in Central, North, South and East Districts.

In his message, Valenzuela City 1^st District Representative, Congressman REX Gatchalian expressed his sincere gratitude to the parents of the special learners for their continuous sacrifice in caring and supporting the special needs of their children. “When I was the Mayor, we held this event every year. I'm glad I got to spend time again with the Valenzuelano LWDs after a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic”. He added.

Mayor WES on the other hand expressed his eagerness to host the SPED Holiday event as it was the first time again since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also mentioned that he put a lot of effort and resources in this event for the children to enjoy.

Also present during the event were Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Congressman REX Gatchalian, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Meliton Zurbano, and District Supervisor and ValSPED Administrator Dr. Ma. Teresita Pangan.

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