Duterte signs law on free basic education for students with disabilities

In support of inclusive education, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure requiring schools nationwide to provide free basic education and related services to learners with disabilities.

Republic Act 11650 or an Act "Instituting a Policy of Inclusion And Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act" was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11.

"The policy of inclusion is hereby instituted in all early and basic education schools, both public and private. All schools... shall ensure equitable access to quality education to every learner with a disability," part of the measure reads.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education is mandated to establish and maintain at least one Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) in all cities and municipalities.

Also, the law states that all existing Special Education Centers shall be converted to and renamed as ILRCs.

Moreover, local government units may also establish satellite ILRCs in schools and additional facilities.

Under the law, ILRCs are mandated to implement the Child Find System which seeks to identify, locate, evaluate, and facilitate the inclusion of learners with disabilities of not more than 24-years-old.

"It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all," it read.

With this, child rights groups called on the government for the full implementation of the law.

Save the Children Philippines welcomed the passage of law, saying it will protect and recognize the rights of all students with disabilities.

“While this law paves the way for improved programs and services for learners with disabilities, Save the Children recognizes that there is more to be done to raise awareness on child and human rights-based approaches to disability, fulfilling learners with disabilities’ right to learn alongside their peers, and eradicating the deep-seated stigma against learners with disabilities,” the group said in a statement.

“We call on the Philippine government for the full implementation of RA 11650 and to strengthen all other related laws and policies through integrated multi-stakeholder approaches that involve Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, the parents, and the learners with disabilities themselves,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Child Rights Network (CRN), an alliance of organizations and agencies pushing for children's rights legislation, also commended the passage of the law, saying that it was “another win for child rights advocates all over the country.”—LBG/AOL, GMA News