RC Makati Brings “Special” Magic in Baguio

After successfully completing the program for teachers and parents of Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati, RC Makati once again responded to a call for help. A request for support came from Kibungan, a town nestled in the mountains of Benguet. Recognizing the urgency of the need, the Club swiftly arranged an online meeting with Mari-An, a journalist based in Benguet, alongside two teachers from Kibungan. The educators expressed their challenges in addressing the needs of their special education (SPED) students and emphasized the lack of proper training and specialized classrooms to cater to them.

The need for such initiatives is evident. Data shows that one in every 100 Filipinos is on the developmental/autism spectrum (the spectrum is very wide from low to highly functioning), which translates to approximately 1.2 million individuals living with autism in the country today. Unfortunately, many schools in the Philippines, especially those in remote mountainous areas, have limited or no access to SPED training. Without proper support, children with special needs face significant barriers to education and personal development.

On March 6-8, RC Makati brought one of the biggest training programs it has ever conducted to the Baguio Teachers Camp, benefiting over 250 teachers from Apayao, Benguet, and Baguio. Many of these teachers endured a grueling 10-hour journey, including a four-hour walk just to reach the bus station. The “Special” Magic project is one of RC Makati’s flagship initiatives for the year, designed to enhance the educational experiences of learners with special needs. By equipping teachers, parents, and guardians with critical knowledge and tools, the project seeks to improve the development of children with disabilities under their care and guidance. It aims to impart specialist skills to foster an integrated and supportive learning and development environment for children with developmental disabilities.

The training would not have been successful without the support of our partners – our brother club, RC Baguio Summer Capital through PE Raio Bautista, which provided coordination and logistical support (including volunteer undergraduates assisting the breakout sessions and other activities); the Department of Education through Sec. Sonny Angara for providing the venue for two nights at a special discount; and Balai Tulu-an Development Center through Ricky Tumadiang, which implemented the two-day training.

There to support the training and participate in a weekend of fellowship were Pres. Keith & Rachel Harrison, PDG Pepz Bengzon, James & Jenny Bosch, George & Anika Haxton, Wash & Pizza Lou, Dir. Neil & Camille Makasiar, IPP Bing Matoto, Philip Soliven, and Dir. Winston & Adette Uy.

The event commenced on March 6 with a meet and greet for the teacher participants at the Baguio Teachers Camp. Before dinner, the program included a talk conducted by Chary Mercado, author and children’s rights advocate, who provided her books, videos, and discussion points for teachers to use in the classroom. The issue of child abuse and human trafficking was included in the discussion at the request of PE Eddie Galvez, as it will be one of the signature projects he plans to implement next Rotary year. The Baguio camp served as a good pilot to assess the effectiveness of the talk.

Day 1 ended with a fellowship dinner generously hosted, for our club members present and attendees from RC Baguio Summer Capital, by Dir. Winston & Adette at their Camp John Hay home, featuring a sumptuous meal, entertaining music (including a surprise guest appearance by Peggy Geiser who performed 3 songs – more on her later), and delectable spirits.

On March 7, the official start of the Special Magic training began with an opening session emceed by PE Raio, with an opening message from CP Gil Bautista. Pres. Keith highlighted Rotary’s mission, the Four-Way Test, and his signature project supporting SPED students. George shared his experience raising a child with autism and the available interventions for SPED students. First Ann Rachel shared her personal advocacy for empowering SPED students to become productive members of society.

After the messages, the teachers focused on the actual training, with the agenda for the day including discussions and workshops on Understanding Learners with Disabilities, analysis based on needs, weaknesses, strengths, and medical diagnosis, adaptation of curriculum, instructional strategies, and designing of Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

For the RC Makati members, there was a short shooting for the Rotary Digital videocast, which is being produced by I-Syoot and will be one of the signature public image campaigns of the club. It will feature the needs and the impact of the projects on the beneficiaries.

While the training was ongoing, the RC Makati team had a free morning. Pres. Keith, IPP Bing, PDG Pepz, James & Jenny took the opportunity to play golf at Pine Woods with PE Raio of RC Baguio Summer Capital, while others enjoyed a relaxed morning and later met for lunch at Canto.

In the early evening, the team reconvened at Baguio Teachers Camp for a special performance by Peggy Geiser, an autistic opera singer. She delivered a stunning performance of five songs, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience. Her performance was more than just entertainment—it was a powerful testament to how, with the right support and development, individuals with special needs can find their place in society. She even got the teachers dancing, proving that inclusion and empowerment make all the difference.

Day 2 ended with a fellowship dinner hosted by RC Baguio Summer Capital at BB Restobar. Here they enjoyed Japanese food, videoke, and rounds and rounds of drinks. Peggy, with her mother, Amor, again made a guest appearance and sung duets with Gov Pepz and IPP Bing.

The final day of training, March 9, marked the closing ceremony at Baguio Teachers Camp. During this session, Pres. Keith and FA Rachel introduced their son, Julyan, whose talents in painting, cooking, and farming served as an inspiration to the teachers. It was an emotional moment for FA Rachel, who addressed the teachers from the heart, emphasizing that they (the dedicated teachers in the room) play a vital role in shaping the future of special needs students.

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to all the participants as well as raffle for those who joined the Facebook Community which will serve as platform for SPED resources and discussions (on FB, the RCM Special Magic community group now has over 270 members – all teachers with a passion for special needs education). The Club also recognized those who posted their key learnings under the hashtag #RotarySpecialMagic.

It may have been just two days of training, and while it may not be enough to solve all challenges, it certainly equipped teachers with valuable skills to better understand and support their special needs students. And that is where the magic truly lies.