A Weekly Ministry of Water and Care
Since September 2024, the PAMAS North Luzon outreach team has served children through weekly hydrotherapy. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, the team visits the CCS-ISC hydrotherapy room. This room is located at Cabarroguis Central School Integrated Special Education Center.
Currently, 15 children attend the therapy sessions. They range in age from 5 to 15. Many live with cerebral palsy or other conditions that affect movement. Others need support for muscle strength, coordination, and motor skills.
Through hot-and-cold baths, gentle massage, and encouragement, the team sees small victories each week. Warm water helps relax tight muscles. In addition, massage supports circulation, nerves, and movement. Yet the ministry reaches beyond physical care. Over time, it also brings relief, smiles, and moments of hope.
Learning Through Friendship and Play
Since December 2023, PAMAS has also helped with a socialization program at the school. This outreach now reaches 50 of the 150 students with different abilities. Through group activities, children gain space for play, connection, and confidence-building.
During one recent activity, the children explored a taste booth filled with homemade dips. Curious faces quickly turned into laughter, surprises, and second taste tests. Although snack time became a little chaotic, it was full of joy.
New Students, New Joy
Recently, two new students joined the therapy sessions. Their arrival expands the circle of care and brings new opportunities for growth.
One child tried the school’s walker for the first time. Soon, the room filled with laughter as the child moved forward with confidence. That day, the walker became more than equipment. Instead, it became a small doorway to freedom, movement, and joy.
Another special joy has been seeing Rachelle join the SpEd center. She is a 28-year-old young woman from Banuar, Cabarroguis, Quirino. Her home is near the PAMAS North Luzon base. Previously, Rachelle was also featured in a PAMAS newsletter.
Now, she is enrolled as a student at CCS-ISC. Her inclusion reminds us that learning has no age limit. More importantly, it reminds us that everyone deserves a place to flourish.
Each morning, Rachelle’s big smile brings extra light to the school. She arrives ready to roll, full of joy, and eager for another day.
An Open Door For Families
Some families have declined to join because of personal reasons or challenges. Even so, PAMAS continues to keep the door open. For every family, the team wants support to remain available. When they are ready, they are welcome.
Fresh Medical Support
Recently, Dr. Teodie, an orthopedic doctor, visited the children with Dr. Najla, an OB doctor. Together, they assessed the children and explored ways to support treatment and development. Their visit brought fresh insight, encouragement, and practical guidance. As a result, both the team and the families felt strengthened.
During one session, Dr. Teodie helped a child practice wrist movement. With a simple pail workout, they worked on one determined pull at a time.
Pressing On Through Challenges
One ongoing challenge is the limited water supply at the school. Because of this, hydrotherapy sessions are not always easy to run. Still, the team presses forward with gratitude. Each session remains another opportunity to serve with patience and love.
Introducing FARMSTEW Principles
PAMAS has also begun introducing FARMSTEW lifestyle principles to the families. First, the team introduced W for Water. Families learned about hydration, hydrotherapy, and massage.
Now, the program is moving forward with M for Meals. Through this next step, families learn how nutritious food strengthens the body. They also learn how healthy meals can make therapy more effective.
One lesson used colorful foods to teach the rainbow diet. For one child with cerebral palsy, eating can be slow and difficult. Even then, her courage, interest, and appetite were not slowed down.
Messages from School Leadership
Ma’am Jesusa Martin, principal of CCS-ISC, has strongly supported this outreach. In the same way, Ma’am Tere has been a faithful partner. She serves as the CCS-ISC head teacher for SpEd children. Together, their leadership helps make the program possible.
Ma’am Tere shared her heart for the partnership:
“Whatever PAMAS introduces to our beloved pupils, we warmly welcome, knowing it is for their well-being.”
Because of their open hearts, this outreach continues to grow in meaningful ways. Their tireless advocacy makes a lasting difference for the children.
Parents’ Voices: Why They Keep Coming
Parents were asked why they continue bringing their children to therapy. Their answers were simple, heartfelt, and full of love.
“We believe in the effect of hot and cold water on their bodies.”
“Whatever someone can offer, if it might help them walk or talk, they deserve that chance. They deserve the chance to simply be children.”
Long before these sessions began, some parents were already using water for comfort. They brought weak children to the hot springs in Burgos or to the nearby river. Later, they shared how much the waters seemed to soothe their children. Without formal training, they had already noticed the value of hydrotherapy.
Enabling, Not Just Assisting
At PAMAS, we do not want to simply assist. Instead, we want to enable. We want children and families to carry new skills beyond each session. Along with those skills, we want them to carry knowledge, confidence, and hope.
Our goal is to offer care today. At the same time, we want to strengthen tomorrow. We pray each child gains greater ability, courage, and quality of life.
As families see physical benefits, we pray they also discover the living water. Jesus said, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst” (John 4:14). Physical healing matters deeply. Yet through Christ, healing can also reach the heart and soul.
With Grateful Hearts
We are deeply grateful for the trust and cooperation of the families. In addition, we are thankful for Ma’am Jesusa Martin, Ma’am Tere, and the SpEd team. Their dedication makes room for children to be seen, supported, and loved.
We also thank Cabarroguis Central School for this ongoing partnership. Likewise, we thank Dr. Teodie and Dr. Najla for helping shape more holistic care.
Together, these partners are planting seeds of health, joy, and hope. Each flowing session matters. Every nourishing meal helps. Most of all, each overflowing smile reminds us why this work matters.
The journey continues. As water flows, help keeps flowing. As hope rises, smiles rise too. Let the healing ripple outward. May the love keep flowing for these special children. After all, their courage and light continue to inspire us all.
