Steps of Hope, Strides of Friendship: Best Buddies Friendship Walk Champions Inclusivity in Cebu

On March 29, 2025, Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS), in collaboration with Best Buddies Philippines, marked a major step forward for inclusivity by hosting the Best Buddies Friendship Walk at Robinsons Galleria, Cebu City. With the theme "Steps of Hope, Strides of Friendship," students from various schools and universities in Cebu, professionals, and government representatives came together to advocate for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and promote a more inclusive society.

What began in 2024 as a small, campus-based friendship walk at CPMS has now grown into a bigger, louder, and more impactful movement. This year, over 700 participants took part in the event, walking in solidarity to support persons with disabilities (PWDs). The event featured interactive booths, dance and song performances, a community discussion, raffle draws, and the highlight of the day—the Best Buddies Friendship Walk around the mall.

CPMS Head Marivic Bathan opened the event with a powerful message, emphasizing that this was not just an event but a movement. She underscored the importance of taking concrete steps to ensure that all learners have opportunities to grow, lead, and contribute to society. She stressed that real change happens through action, and the Best Buddies Walk stands as a testament to the commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive world for everyone.

A community discussion featuring educators, professionals, government representatives, and parents addressed key issues surrounding PWD inclusion. Best Buddies Philippines Executive Director Michelle Aventajado emphasized the need for accessibility, collaboration with local government units and agencies, and creating spaces where PWDs can form friendships and thrive both socially and academically.

Margie Pinton, Focal Person for Persons with Disabilities and OIC Division Chief of the Innovations Division at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), introduced the Twin-Track Approach, which focuses on mainstreaming PWDs into society while providing targeted programs for their specific needs. Meanwhile, Joseph Jumantoc, Mandaue City Head for the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), highlighted that over 20 laws, including Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, have been enacted to protect PWD rights and enhance accessibility to services.

Educators Dr. Maria Nessa Tio-Espina from Mandaue City Central SPED Center and Mrs. Marites Serenado from Cebu Normal University (CNU) discussed how they adapted schools to be more inclusive. Mrs. Serenado emphasized that as educators, especially in shaping future teachers, it is essential to immerse themselves in the experiences of PWDs, and be with them not as a student, but as a person. Dr. Tio-Espina shared that while the K-12 curriculum is applied for students with disabilities in their school, it is also tailored to meet each individual's specific needs. President of the Philippine Academy of Occupational Therapist - Central Visayas Chapter, April Grace Chiongbian, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of individualized interventions focused on sensory and motor skill development to allow PWDs to thrive in the school setting, and everywhere else.

Clinical Supervisor Genevive Roble-Quinto of Cebu Doctors University (CDU) reminded attendees of the ongoing responsibility to support PWDs, quoting Maya Angelou: "Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, you’ll do better." She advocated for continuous training for educators and parents, urging them to empower children by allowing them the freedom to make their own decisions.

Parents and educators from CPMS shared personal testimonies about the impact of inclusive education. Teacher Natasha introduced the ACT Framework—Awareness: developing an inclusive mindset; Choice: making the decision to be inclusive; and Taking action: implementing inclusivity in everyday life. She also mentioned the success of Best Buddies Hour, where students take on leadership roles in supporting their peers, fostering responsibility and friendship.

Lastly, the parents shared how CPMS provided a safe and nurturing environment for their child, allowing them to grow and learn. They also stressed that trusting children’s abilities instead of being overprotective can lead to significant growth.

Following the discussion, participants took part in the Best Buddies Walk as a symbol of their unwavering support. Educators, professionals, students, and PWDs walked together through Robinsons Galleria, raising awareness and advocating for a more inclusive society.

The event concluded with a raffle draw and inspiring words from Mary Sue Cervantes Bathan, a 23-year-old with cerebral palsy and a member of the pioneering batch of Best Buddies Cebu. Having recently passed the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LPT), she shared her journey of overcoming self-doubt in traditional schools, where she often felt like she didn’t belong. Returning to CPMS helped her embrace inclusivity and develop self-confidence.

“There’s no such thing as disability, only different abilities,” she said. “If you take one step for someone with a disability, you inspire them to be proud of who they are. Step up.”

Every step toward inclusivity creates lasting change. As attendees left with a renewed commitment to empowering PWDs, the message was clear: Inclusivity begins with “I”, but it needs “us”.