Kamp Pag-Asa was established in the year 1999. It was a project of the City Council of Disability Affairs, under former mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte who is now the President of the Republic of the Philippines. The Chair is the City Mayor’s Office, alongside are the Co-Chairs namely Hon. Victorio Advincula Jr. and the Davao Jubilee Foundation, and the Secretariat is the City Social Services and Development Office.
This summer of 2017, Kamp Pag-Asa marks its 18th year of welcoming people from various walks of life, mostly children, with special needs to engage in various learning activities from April 18 to 24 (Monday to Saturday) at Don Francisco S. Dizon Sr. Elementary School, Bacaca Road, Davao City. The summer camp has been organized by volunteers with the aid of the city government and several private institutions. The activities included a Parade, a Musical Show, Mascot and Costume Making, a Field Trip, Zumba sessions, and a Diskohan amongst many more which helped in enhancing the social, spiritual, and cognitive formation of the participants.
Ephraim “Dadz” Dado served as this year’s camp director, while Rose Galao was his assistant director. Volunteers from various educational, medical and government institutions such as the University of Southeastern Philippines, the University of Mindanao, Davao Doctor’s Hospital, Department of Health, Southern Philippines Medical Center, City Health Office, and health officers from different barangays committed their time and expertise to the camp’s participants. For as long as people are willing to lend a helping hand, CSSDO will continue to assist towards the molding of a safer environment and brighter future for persons with special needs and their families. On behalf of the families and the participants of Kamp Pag-Asa 2017, CSSDO would like to extend its warmest thanks to the volunteers, agencies and organizations for offering their time and resources for the success of the activity. We also thank the families and the participants for the joy, experiences and friendship they shared during the camp activities. Kamp Pag-Asa will continue to live on and prosper in the next years.
“Gwapo siya. There is socialization. The children can relate to others and learn skills in the camp. Maka adapt pud sila sa different environment.” Father of four, Cesar Cuyugan Jr. replied when asked about his views and expectations from the summer camp. “They are looking forward every year.” He added, referring to his 3 sons who have Autism and has been attending Kamp Pag-Asa for over 7 years now.