Students with special needs at West Central Elementary School 1 in Dagupan City dressed up in colorful costumes and joined a fun-filled Halloween celebration morning on Friday, October 24, 2025.

The event featured a trick-or-treat activity where children collected candies from different classrooms. Their joy was evident as they showed off their sweets and laughed with their classmates.

Afterward, the students showcased their talents through singing and dancing performances, drawing cheers from teachers and parents alike.

According to Dr. Leah Surot, the school’s Special Needs Education (SNED) Coordinator, the Halloween party has been held annually since 2018 to promote happiness and social interaction among learners.

“For happiness naman nila. Socialization skills, yung kanilang pakikipag-bonding sa isa’t isa. Syempre, kung nakikita nila yung mga kasama nila na may mga candy, masaya sila,” she said.

Parents are thankful for the school’s initiative, saying such events help their children gain confidence and excitement in learning.

“Kahapon nga very excited na siya eh, naghanap na siya ng costume niya. Dati hindi siya ganyan. Kaya noong in-enroll ko siya dito, malaking tulong talaga,” one parent said.

Aside from spreading joy, the school said the celebration also aimed to make children with special needs feel included and valued members of the community.