Loren Calls for Special Basic Education for Poor Families

IN ONE OF THE STOPOVERS ON HER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOUR, SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA SHARED WITH PARENTS AND TEACHERS HER CALL TO CONGRESS TO PROVIDE FREE EDUCATION FOR SPECIAL, DIFFERENTLY ABLED, AND PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN. SHE ASSURED PARENTS THAT THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL WILL ALLOW THEIR INTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY BY GIVING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATION.
“These children have special abilities unique to them, and it is our moral obligation to help them become productive members of society. Free education is critical to harness their skills and to assist their parents, especially from poor families, in providing their children their special needs,” Loren said.
In a paper presented to the World Bank, Disabled Peoples’ International estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the total disability population in the Philippines are children. Socioeconomic conditions and the lack of capacities to develop children with special needs are the main causes of the poor conditions they face.
Loren lamented, “Poverty conditions such as inadequate natal care, poor nutrition and lack of adequate health services cause the majority of disabilities in children. Because most of these children belong to the poor that do not have the means to give specialized education, many of them are hidden and their families forbid social interaction with other members of the community, to the detriment of their growth and development.”
“This measure is to ensure that we protect and enhance the right of all people to human dignity; and reduce social, economic, and political inequalities. A Special Education Center must be established in each and every province, city and municipality to provide free specialized basic and primary education to them,” Loren concluded.