THE BEGINNINGS
Pangga ta Ikaw is dedicated to help kids with special needs to develop their fullest potential.
We started this endeavor in 2015 to commemorate the first death anniversary of Roxannie, fondly called ” Pangga ” by family and friends.
Pangga is my sister with Down syndrome who died at the age of 46.
Pangga in the local dialect means LOVE, and Pangga ta ikaw means ” I love you, ” which I thought is a very appropriate name for our group.
OUR FAMILY IS SPECIAL
My name is Marita, a practicing Pediatrician in the Philippines before I moved to Canada in 2008. I now work as a Clinical Research Assistant in a large university.
I always have a soft spot for special kids not only because of Pangga, but I also have another special brother, 2 nephews who have Down syndrome and another special niece.
They all bring joy to our families and we truly love them and consider them GOD’s gifts to us.
When Pangga died, our family was at a great loss, she was the first ever to pass away in our family of 12.
It was doubly hard for me, because I was not able to go back home for her funeral. I terribly miss her up to this day.
Our family decided to donate to the Special Education program of special kids in our town, part of the money that family and friends shared for her burial expenses.
That started my desire to continue the legacy of providing love and support to kids with special needs in our town back home.
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OUR PROJECTS
Initially for two years ( 2015 to 2017 ), we have helped indigent kids in the Special Education program of the Romblon East Central School in Romblon, Philippines with their transportation expenses to and from school.
Most of these kids have to be accompanied by parents who barely could meet their family’s needs and lots of them live in far-flung barangays, some even cross the sea to attend school.
From October 2017, we have levelled up with our assistance by starting to build a mini–therapy area aimed at developing the kids’ social, motor and sensory skills.
Proud to say that we have gone a long way in building this indoor play area and it’s done!
We had the blessing on January 12, 2024. Watch the video!
Click here to read the journey and progress.
This website likewise hopes to promote awareness that kids with special needs are part of our society and they are just like us, who need love and acceptance.
Their parents and families for sure truly care for them but the whole community has a role of providing support for them to develop the best that they can be.
Click here to be inspired by ten quotes about special needs kids and parenting.
I would love to hear your comments and insights on my website and if you could help financially for our future projects, it would be much appreciated.
Maintenance and repairs are ongoing.
We thank you so much for your generosity, which will go a long way in supporting our special kids.
If you have questions about our project and how you can help or anything about the articles in this website, please post your comments below/ after the post or email me at admin@panggataikaw.com.
God bless,
Marita
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What a heartfelt and powerful origin story. I really feel the love and dedication behind Pangga ta Ikaw. Knowing that this began as a tribute to “Pangga” and grew into something meant to uplift children with special needs gives the mission a deeply personal authenticity. I’m curious: as the organization expands, how do you plan to balance honoring her memory with adapting to new needs in different communities? Also, what have been some of the unexpected challenges you’ve faced in building the therapy space and sustaining parent support? I know one family affected by developmental differences. What strategies have you found most effective in maintaining momentum and community engagement over time?
Hi Slavisa,
For the meantime, we’re just focusing in this specific school with the special education of the special needs kids, and hopefully, later on, as more donors come, we can help with special kids in our hometown. where Pangga and us, grew up, like their medical needs, if they arise.
Also, we see to it that the play area is well-maintained, like recently, the teacher said the roof has been leaking, so we have to help with that, as well.
Challenges would be finances, thus, we did some fundraising involving the school and the community, including the teachers and the parents.
As long as the people see that we are always ready to support, it’s not that hard to let them recognize our efforts, thus inspiring them to help, as well.
Thanks for your nice words.
Marita
Marita, I looked at your entire blog and felt this is the best place to leave a comment. What a beautiful tribute you have made to your sister and helping children in need. This site is beautiful. I am going to share it on my business FB page in hopes others will see the compassion and love you have. You have made a tremendous contribution to the world. Thank you. And thank you for your faith for this has carried your words to the world.
Hi Laura,
I believe this is my mission-to pay tribute to my sister by helping the special needs kids in my hometown and honoring all the special kids, their families, therapists, special education teachers, assistants and caregivers.
This website will continue to evolve with the hope of sharing the knowledge that we all need to show love and support to all special kids.
Thanks for sharing my site to all your friends and readers.
God bless,
Marita