Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics

13/03/2026

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬: 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐯𝐬. 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫

Providing the best support for our children’s development begins with understanding the specific roles of the professionals who guide them.

Many parents are familiar with the terms "OT" and "SPED Teacher," but it is important to know how their expertise differs and how they work together to help your child thrive. While an Occupational Therapist builds the foundation for daily living, a SPED Teacher opens the door to academic learning.

☑️𝑶𝒄𝒄𝒖𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒕 (𝑶𝑻): Focuses on "functional independence." They help children master daily activitiessuch as eating, dressing, and playing, by addressing motor skills, sensory needs, work behaviors and others.

☑️𝑺𝑷𝑬𝑫 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓: Focuses on "specialized instruction." They use tailored teaching methods to help children achieve academic milestones in reading, writing, and math, while also fostering social interaction.

While their areas of focus vary, these professionals collaborate closely to ensure the holistic development of every child. Understanding who to turn to is the first step in building a supportive community for our children with special needs.

05/03/2026

We are proud to celebrate another milestone at the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics.

Our Clinical Lead – Occupational Therapist, Lyssa, has successfully completed Level 1 and Level 2 Certification in Developmental Play, a specialized therapeutic approach that uses structured play to support children’s development, engagement, and regulation.

This advanced training was conducted by Ms. Caroline Essame, Founder and Course Facilitator of the Developmental Play program. Through this certification, Lyssa further strengthens our team’s clinical expertise in delivering play-based interventions that support children with developmental needs.

At SamarCDP, we remain committed to continuously enhancing our knowledge and practice to ensure that the children and families we serve receive high-quality, evidence-informed pediatric care.

03/03/2026

The Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics joins the entire nation in celebrating the 2026 National Women’s Month with the theme:

“WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.”

This year’s sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”
highlights the strength, wisdom, and leadership of Filipino women in shaping inclusive communities.

As a center dedicated to children with special needs and their families, we recognize and honor the invaluable role of women - mothers, caregivers, therapists, teachers, and leaders, whose compassion and resilience help build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Let us continue to champion gender equality and inclusion in every space we serve. 💜

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

This celebration honors the strength, leadership, and invaluable contributions of women in all sectors, and reaffirms our commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive development for a progressive and resilient Samar.

Guided by this year’s sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the Philippine Commission on Women emphasizes that women’s leadership is deeply rooted in Filipino identity, inspired by the Babaylans of pre-colonial Philippines whose influence was shaped by wisdom, empathy, and moral guidance.

Happy National Women’s Month! 💜✨

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02/03/2026

The SamarCDP team just got a little bigger!

We are beyond excited to introduce two new members joining our mission to support children with developmental needs: Quisha, our new Occupational Therapist, and Via, our new SPED Teacher.

We can’t wait to see Quisha in action helping our kids reach their developmental goals, just as we’re excited for Via to bring her unique SPED background to our learning spaces.

We’re so lucky to have their expertise (and their big hearts!) on the team. Welcome to the SamarCDP team, Quisha and Via!

20/02/2026

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞!

The Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics proudly celebrates its first year of service as a program established under the Provincial Government of Samar. Created to strengthen the province’s commitment to inclusive and accessible healthcare, the Center was founded to provide comprehensive developmental services to children with special needs and their families across Samar.

As a government-operated facility, the Center reflects the Provincial Government’s dedication to advancing early identification, timely intervention, and disability inclusion. Over the past year, the Center has delivered multidisciplinary services including Developmental Pediatrics consultation, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Special Education support. Beyond clinical care, it has conducted parent education seminars, community outreach initiatives, and collaborative engagements with schools, local government units, and partner institutions to promote awareness and empower families throughout the province.

This milestone represents not only services rendered, but the lives supported, the families strengthened, and the systems established to ensure that children with developmental needs receive structured and appropriate care within their own province.

As the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics moves into its second year, the focus remains clear: to strengthen service delivery systems, expand reach to underserved communities, and continuously raise the standard of developmental care in the province. The work continues—with greater clarity, stronger partnerships, and a deeper commitment to the children and families we serve.

One Health. One Samar.

07/02/2026

The Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics successfully conducted a developmental screening and parent education activity in Tagapul-an, Samar, as part of its ongoing outreach efforts to promote early identification and timely intervention for children with developmental needs.

Children from the community underwent comprehensive developmental screening, while parents and family members participated in a parent education session focused on understanding child development, recognizing early developmental concerns, and learning practical strategies to support their children at home. Participating families were also provided with individualized home instruction programs to help ensure continuity of care beyond the screening activity.

The activity was implemented in close collaboration with the Tagapul-an LGU to guide families on appropriate next steps, including follow-up services and necessary referrals.

Through its multidisciplinary approach, SamarCDP continues to expand access to essential developmental services across the province, offering Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Special Education (SPED) services. These initiatives are part of the continuing programs of the Provincial Government of Samar, aimed at strengthening early childhood development services and ensuring that children and families receive timely, accessible, and appropriate support.

05/02/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐂𝐃𝐏 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐥-𝐚𝐧

With the support of the Tagapul-an LGU, the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics conducted an outreach activity in Tagapul-an, providing developmental screenings and parent education sessions. Families were guided on how to support their children’s growth and connected to the appropriate resources.

23/01/2026

We extend our sincere appreciation to Catbalogan 1 SPED Center for hosting this meaningful activity in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week, with the support of the City Government of Catbalogan. The event provided an important venue for parent education and community engagement.

As part of the program, Speech-Language Pathologist from the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics served as the guest speaker, contributing to the dialogue and interaction with parents.

At the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics, we continue to support initiatives that promote parent education and community awareness, recognizing the essential role of informed caregivers in supporting children with autism.

23/01/2026

Blue is more than a color, it’s a call to understand, accept, and act.

Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics proudly joins the province in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum this 30th National Autism Consciousness Week.

We encourage everyone to go beyond awareness: create inclusive spaces, advocate for understanding, and offer support every day, not just this week.

Inclusion starts with each of us, every single day.

22/01/2026

It’s National Autism Consciousness Week, and we’re celebrating by promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance!

Today, our very own Occupational Therapist Martin took the spotlight on Radyo Pilipinas Calbayog, sharing valuable insights on autism to help families and communities better support individuals on the autism spectrum.

Watch the interview here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BzGv8GRrg/

21/01/2026

Governor Sharee Ann Tan has issued Executive Order No. 03-2026 encouraging everyone to wear blue on January 23, 2026, for the 30th National Autism Consciousness Week. We also invite private sectors, businesses, organizations, and all Samareños to join as a united show of acceptance, awareness, and support for persons on the autism spectrum.

"𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒂 𝑲𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝑻𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒐 𝒔𝒂 𝑮𝒂𝒘𝒂: 𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒍𝒂𝒅 𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒎-𝑶𝑲 𝑷𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔"

16/01/2026

30th National Autism Consciousness Week
January 19–25, 2026

In observance of the 30th National Autism Consciousness Week, the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics, under the Provincial Government of Samar, calls on the community to UNDERSTAND. ACCEPT. INCLUDE. individuals with autism.

This year’s theme, “Mula Kamalayan Tungo sa Gawa: Pag-unlad ng Autism-OK Philippines,” highlights the importance of translating awareness into meaningful action for inclusion and support.