CEBU CITY – Best Buddy-Philippines and the Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) in Canduman, Mandaue City forged a collaborative partnership to pilot inclusive elementary education program with other schools in Cebu especially for neuro-diverse children and adults.
“Best Buddies is a global initiative that fosters inclusion and friendship for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It is a globally recognized initiative that promotes inclusion for individuals with IDD for over a decade now in the Philippines,” Michele Ressa Aventajado, Executive Director of Best Buddies Philippines has been at the helm of this transformative movement since its inception.
Aventajado said that Best Buddies-PH was founded with a mission to create opportunities for friendship, leadership, and employment. The program has touched the lives of countless individuals by fostering an inclusive community where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued.
“We saw a lot of alignment with CPMS programs especially in inclusion and Best Buddies was looking for partner to pilot its elementary program in Cebu, that was not implemented yet because Best Buddies has not found a suitable partner until we have the chance to meet and discuss the possibilities of piloting elementary inclusive education program in Cebu,” Bathan shared.
Bathan explained that Best Buddies Philippines chose CPMS since it fosters an inclusive environment where students with and without disabilities learn and grow together. The school has been looking for a program that supports not only its current students, and alumni who continue to face challenges as they transition into adulthood.
Through this collaboration, CPMS will now serve as a Best Buddies chapter, spearheading both the elementary program and future initiatives that aim to provide ongoing support for individuals with IDD, she said.
Bathan emphasized the impact of Best Buddies' flagship pre-employment program, which complements CPMS's existing initiatives for young adults. With this partnership, the school hopes to continue promoting inclusion and support for students and their families, paving the way for a more inclusive community in Cebu.
"We further inclusion through three pillars: friendship, leadership, and employment. These pillars serve as the foundation for the program's activities, designed to empower individuals with IDD by connecting them with peers, mentors, and job opportunities," Aventajado explained.
Aventajado said that by partnering with CPMS, Best Buddies Philippines is piloting its elementary school program to create a nurturing space where students with and without disabilities can learn, grow, and thrive together.
Beyond the school partnerships, the program also engages parents, educators, and local businesses to create a broader understanding of inclusion. Best Buddies Philippines’ aims to uplift individuals with IDD, and educate and involve the larger community through workshops, leadership seminars, and social events like the mini friendship walk.
In addition to the core pillars of friendship and leadership, Best Buddies is actively working on employment programs, ensuring that individuals with IDD are given the chance to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
"We're planting seeds of inclusion and these seeds, nurtured through partnerships with schools, businesses, and families, will help shape a future where individuals with disabilities are seen, heard, and fully embraced as vital members of society, Aventajado said.
Now that CPMS is already Best Buddies chapter in Cebu, Bathan said that plans are afoot to trailblaze the various programs to spread the word about inclusion in education and living, and how this can be done through the collaborative partnerships with the other schools in Cebu.
Best Buddies’ vision is clear, Aventajado said adding that inclusion isn’t just a goal; it’s a journey that requires the collective effort of everyone in the community. (Photos: MBCNewman)
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