Funds, resources for learners with disabilities still not enough despite 2022 law

A House committee finds that inclusive education is not yet a reality for many learners with disabilities

MANILA, Philippines – Lawmakers questioned the pace of implementation of Republic Act No. 11650, a law mandating inclusive education for learners with disabilities (LWDs), four years after the measure’s passage in 2022.

During a Department of Education (DepEd) briefing before the House basic education committee on Monday, July 20, Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo flagged the lack of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in all three Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) in Metro Manila.

The ILRCs are at Batino Elementary School in Quezon City, Alabang Elementary School in Muntinlupa City, and P. Gomez Elementary School in the City of Manila.

DepEd SPED Advisor Roland Montes initially described the ILRCs as operational, but Romulo responded, “How can it be operational when you don’t have an MDT?”