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A CHILD'S DREAM FOUNDATION
About Us
A Child’s D.R.E.A.M. Foundation, Inc., is Baguio City’s first pediatric therapy center for exceptional children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioral Problems, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Language Disorders, Down Syndrome, Giftedness, Hearing and Vision Problems, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disability, or Sensory Impairments.
Born from the vision of Dr. Francis Xavier Dimalanta, A Child’s D.R.E.A.M. Foundation is Baguio’s first pediatric therapy center for exceptional needs children.
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Located in an area underserved by health services for atypical development, the D.R.E.A.M. Foundation aims to reverse this dynamic by providing the highest quality holistic care.
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Through comprehensive assessments and customized programs, the Foundation strives to empower every child to achieve his or her full potential.
Dr. Francis Dimalanta is Founder & Medical Director of Baguio City’s “A Child’s DREAM (Developmental Rehabilitative Early Assessment & Management) Foundation, Inc.”, aimed at providing holistic care for special children in Northern Luzon and the Cordilleras.
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His vision of bringing education where it is needed the most is answered in his involvement in the Cartwheel Foundation – a non-profit organization that helps educate indigenous children and communities.
A Child’s D.R.E.A.M. Foundation takes pride in having assisted over 11,554 children and over 21,362 parents, guardians, siblings, teachers and caregivers from the Philippines and around the world.
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To date, the Foundation has held over 485 public community workshops, administered seminars to business and social groups throughout the region, and has worked with city officials to draft ordinances that benefit families with autism.
Our Services
Assessments
Developmental and behavioral pediatricians conduct comprehensive developmental and medical assessments to support the well-being of all children.
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Through this process, a child's unique strengths and experiences are carefully evaluated, helping to identify necessary services and prioritize their individual needs.
Therapy
Supportive care and treatments designed to help children grow, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.
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We guide your child in building confidence and improving speech, thinking, social skills, balance, and strength—empowering them to navigate life with resilience and shine in their own unique way.
Special Education
We support and prepare children whose educational needs extend beyond the standard school curriculum.
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Our specialized services include comprehensive assessments, individualized tutoring, and customized programs—all designed to boost your child’s academic performance and set them up for success in school.
Workshops
D.R.E.A.M offers thoughtfully designed workshops that ignite imagination, stimulate the senses, and build meaningful social connections in children.
These engaging sessions provide both kids and adults with enjoyable opportunities to learn, explore, and express themselves in a supportive and enriching environment.
HELPING OUR CHILDREN REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
OUR IMPACT
Along with direct treatment, the Foundation also conducts community development initiatives.
In recognition of D.R.E.A.M.’s strong voice in special needs advocacy, the Foundation was awarded the inaugural 2014 SENIA Honorary Certificate for Advocacy in Singapore.
11,686
Children Helped
21,413
Parents &/ Teachers Assisted
486
Workshops Held
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Accreditation 2024 with
Charities Aid Foundation America
Organizations that have been validated by CAF International have completed an extensive application and due diligence process with one of CAF International’s Global Offices. The CAF International Validated Organization Badge is awarded to organizations that are structured and operated as nonprofit entities. This is confirmed by a validation process that goes far beyond a simple reliance on a foreign government database. The CAF International validation process includes a review of an organization’s key operational elements such as their governance structure, registration status, annual financial statements, online and media presence, and their board members and senior staff. This validation process ensures that all funds sent to the organization will be used charitably, and it allows CAF International and their donors to mitigate the risk of fraud, money laundering, and other criminal activities.
DEDICATED, HOLISTIC
Karim Pacis
May 2010, Mitchell can only write the word ‘Mitchell’. After 3 months in A Child’s DREAM, he can write up to 25 words. Not only can he write words, he can also communicate at a higher level. His fine motor skills have increased ten fold with the help of the Occupational Therapist.
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We certainly will be back for more. See you soon!
Edwin Hawson
Dr. Dimalanta is the rare breed of medical professional who not only possesses great skill and expertise in his field of developmental pediatrics, but also the empathy and understanding that is so much appreciated by parents seeking consultation for their children.
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Thank you Dr. Dimalanta for all your help to us!
Maricar Rosal
Through the last nearly 10 years, Francis has ably guided me and my husband in obtaining the optimum educational, therapy, and medical support for Ina, our daughter with Down Syndrome.
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His periodic evaluation of Ina runs smoothly since our daughter is comfortable with him. He easily puts my daughter at ease through conversation and play, that Ina is unaware that Francis is already conducting tests on her.
Marco’s Journey
When Marco was just two and a half years old, his world seemed different—and for a while, we couldn't quite understand why. He would often bang his head, bite himself, and the only words he could say were “No,” “Ma,” and “Moh” (his word for mall). Our hearts broke a little each day, watching our beautiful boy struggle to connect with the world around him. Eventually, after a visit with Dr. D, we got the answer we feared but somehow expected: Autism.The diagnosis brought a storm of emotions—fear, confusion, heartbreak, and above all, worry. What would Marco’s future look like? Would he ever live independently? Would he ever fall in love, have a family? Who would care for him when we were no longer around?Without wasting time, we began his occupational therapy—three times a week—and regular checkups with Dr. D, a kind and insightful friend and specialist. But it wasn’t just Marco who needed to adjust. Our entire family transformed. We learned to live by structure. Mealtimes at the dining table became sacred. Time management was no longer optional. We became intentional about everything—from our words to our routines—because we knew Marco’s success depended on the environment we built for him.By the time he was five Marco was enrolled in a regular school. The teachers chose not to label him. They mainstreamed him, giving him the chance to learn, play, and grow alongside his peers. And Marco didn’t just blend in—he blossomed. He joined extracurricular activities, made friends, laughed, and lived with a joy that we once feared might elude him.His occupational therapy sessions slowly came to an end. Though he still checked in with Dr. D occasionally, Marco was beginning to chart his own path. Through disciplined routines and strong study habits, he graduated high school from Berkeley School—a proud moment etched in our hearts forever.But he wasn’t done. Not even close.
Marco pursued a double major at De La Salle University—Social Development and Advertising Management. And just as we thought we had already seen the depth of his strength, life threw us another challenge: his father was diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic, a year before Marco's graduation. But Marco stood up—not as a child, but as a caregiver. He learned to manage intravenous lines and catheters. He was steady, compassionate, and strong. He was, in every sense, our rock.After graduation, Marco decided to chase an even higher calling—medicine. He studied hard, earning a 95% on the NMAT, and enrolled at St. Luke’s Medical School. Due to the pandemic, classes were online. In one unforgettable twist of fate, one of his professors turned out to be none other than Dr. D. Marco messaged him with a simple, “Hi Doc!” And Dr. D, who once guided a struggling toddler, now welcomed him as a fellow doctor-in-training—with pride in his heart and tears in his eyes.Today, Marco is in his internship, steps away from becoming a full-fledged physician.And that question we once asked with tears in our eyes—Who will take care of Marco when we’re gone? Will he ever get married?The answers have changed.Marco will take care of us—as a doctor, as a son, as a man who has grown through challenge and love.And yes—Marco has been in a loving relationship for the past five years. Moral of the Story:Never underestimate the power of love, structure, and belief. Autism is not a life sentence—it’s a different lens through which a remarkable life can be lived. Marco's story is a testament to the truth that with patience, perseverance, and a supportive family, challenges can become triumphs, and fears can become futures filled with hope.In the end, Marco didn’t just find his voice—he found his purpose.
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