In photo from top left Dr.Regente Lapak, Dr. Michael F. Galicia Jr. Dr.Edwin Jerd T. Siaton and sitting from left Mr.Florencio Tenorio , Chief Finance Officer of Calamba Medical Center (CMC) , Atty. Pilar Nenuco P. Almira, President and CEO of CMC, Ms. Avry Andal- Umali , Owner of ConnectRd Kids with Ms. Ma Jessica Balleras.
CALAMBA Medical Center (CMC) and ConnectEd Kids took a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services for children with special needs by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The partnership aims to establish a Specialized Therapy Center at Calamba Medical Center, dedicated to
addressing the unique needs of children in the local community. The signing ceremony, which took place
on April 17, 2024, marked a milestone for both organizations and is set to open its doors in July 2024.
The MOA signing brought together Avry Umali-Andal, the sole owner of ConnectEd Kids, and Atty. Pilar
Nenuca P. Almira, the President and CEO of Calamba Medical Center. Also present in the momentous
occasion are the leaders and doctors of Calamba Medical Center headed by the Chief Finance Officer Mr.
Florencio A. Tenorio, Dr. Regente Lapak the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Michael F.
Galicia Jr. Chairman of the Deparment of ORL-HNS and Dr. Edwin Jerd T. Siatan the Chairman of the
Department of Orthopaedics.
The establishment of the specialized Center aims to address the increasing demand for specialized
therapy services for children with various conditions. This will provide a comprehensive range of services
tailored to every child’s unique needs, such as infants and children at risk for developmental delays,
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, sensory integration difficulties, and
other disabilities affecting their daily functions. Initially catering to pediatrics, the center will gradually
expand to offer adult therapy services in the future. Plans are in place to introduce adult therapy
services, catering to adults recovering from various conditions and aimed at maintaining independence
and enhancing quality of life.
The center will encompass a multidisciplinary approach, providing a comprehensive range of services
tailored to every child’s unique needs. These services will include occupational therapy assessments,
individualized treatment sessions, group therapy sessions, and parent education programs. Skilled
therapists, equipped with advanced resources, will assist children in developing essential skills for daily
living, school readiness, social interaction, and sensory integration.
The collaboration between ConnectEd Kids and Calamba Medical Center signifies their shared vision to
ensure accessible and comprehensive healthcare services for children (initially then provide services for
adults as well) in the local community. By combining their expertise, resources, and experience, the
partnership will significantly enhance the Calamba Medical Center’s capacity to provide top-tier OT
services under one roof.
Moreover, this alliance will establish a reliable referral system, enabling seamless coordination between
Calamba Medical Center’s diverse medical specialties, such as pediatricians, developmental
pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, neonatologists, child psychologists, and even other ancillary
services such as nutritionists to name a few, and ConnectEd Kids’ therapy specialists. This streamlined
approach will ensure a holistic and integrated care experience for each child and adult, effectively
addressing their unique needs.
The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Calamba Medical Center and ConnectEd Kids
heralds an exciting opportunity to improve the lives of children with special needs in the local
community. Through the establishment of this specialized therapy Center, both organizations aim to
enhance access to high-quality, evidence-based therapy services, empowering children to reach their full
potential.
With its anticipated July 2024 launch, this collaboration promises to make a lasting impact in the lives of
children and their families, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
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