COTABATO CITY – Special children have special place in the heart of Cotabato Light and Power Company and Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated, the power firm’s officials said.

Anna Lea Nataño, head of the Cotabato Light communication office, said the two firms are in deep gratitude to be part of this project in helping these "special children."

“It has been part of our company's thrust to always give back to the community,” she said in a statement.

“And it has been the mission of Aboitiz Foundation, where Cotabato Light is a member, to help people help themselves," she said adding “over the years, the biggest chunk of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget goes to education.”

Arlene Hepiga, speaking for Cotabato Light, said Dr. Concepcion F. Balawag, Al Hajaa, Cotabato City school division superintendent, has recommended to Cotabato Light to look into the needs of the Special Education Division.

Hepiga said an assessment team visited Cotabato City Central Pilot School and found out the school indeed needs assistance for the enhancement of the kitchen for 41 pupils with special needs.

In partnership with CCCPS, which provided labor as their counterpart, “we are very happy that we have materialized this project that would eventually equip these kids to live productivity and independently,” Nataño said.

On Wednesday Nov. 9, the project was turned over to school authorities.

“Would just like to remind the faculty, and the pupils to always take good care of the materials, appliances, and the building itself to have a longer impact for the next generation of pupils,” Hepiga said.

The "Transition Program for Children with Intellectual Disabilities" in the Philippines was initiated by the Special Education Division, Bureau of Elementary Education of the Department of Education set with the main objective of developing career awareness and work skills through school-to-work transition among children with intellectual disabilities.

Hepiga said the power firm provided materials for the renovation of the room converting it to kitchen for the children with special needs.

Cotabato Light provided kitchen supplies, appliances and utensils. The project cost is P100,000. Hepiga said labor was the school’s counterpart.