The city government of Dagupan has been chosen as one of the two pilot areas in the Philippines to implement the Breaking Barriers of the Youth (BBY) Development Project.
 The project, funded by the Danish International Development Assistance (DANIDA), through the Kapisanan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAMPI) and Disabled Peoples' International (DPI), aims to improve the living condition of the Young Adults With Disabilities ages 15-24 years old and help them become productive and self-reliant individuals.
Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, along with vice mayor Alvin Fernandez, city administrator Rafael Baraan and some department heads, signed a memorandum of agreement with representatives from KAMPI, DPI and DANIDA on February 6 to formalize the establishment of the project.
According to DPI chairperson Venus Ilagan, DANIDA has approved only Dagupan and Tuguegarao City as beneficiaries of the project in the entire country.
She added that the project is expected to benefit at least 167 youth with disabilities in the city. 
“This is a follow up of the Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) project in Dagupan,” she noted.
 
In his speech, Mayor Lim expressed his elation over the selection of Dagupan as one of the two beneficiaries of the BBY project in the Philippines even as he assured that the city government is fully prepared to implement the project.
“We assure you that we will sustain this project and we are fortunate to be chosen as your partner in helping the youth with disabilities,” the mayor reiterated.     
Under the agreement, the city social welfare and development office and city health office shall assist on the identification, assessment and referral of potential beneficiaries of the project.
It was learned that the city government will give minimal counterpart for the operation and management of project before it's eventual turn over to the city after three years.
On November 14 last year, the city government has taken the responsibility of fully operating the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center which continues to render free assistance and treatment to a total of 301 children with disabilities (CWDs). 
Those CWDS who reached the age of 15 are automatic beneficiaries of the BBY project. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)