Congress okays bill creating SPED centers in public schools

BAGUIO CITY – The Lower House has approved on third and final reading a bill filed by Rep. Nicasio Aliping Jr. to establish Special Education (SPED) centers in all public schools divisions nationwide.

As “children with special needs” (CSN) are increasing, Aliping said House Bill 4558 known as an Act Establishing Special Education Centers for Children with Special Needs in all Public Schools Divisions is now awaiting approval of the Senate version.

“The bill seeks to establish centers in all schools divisions nationwide where none exist and where more is needed,” said Aliping.

SPED Centers were designed to provide for Children with Special Needs (CSN) access to basic education, and facilitate their inclusion and integration into mainstream education, and ensure the full development of their potential towards self-sufficiency.

It equips parents, caregivers, and teachers with the capabilities to identify, prevent, appropriately refer the developmental disorders and disabilities of children, and how to intervene appropriately to ensure their functional development, he said.

“SPED Centers’ objectives are to create significant and positive changes in community attitudes towards disability and the need to provide special education and proper care for children with special needs,” Aliping said. 

There is only one SPED Center in Baguio which is not enough to facilitate the education of the increasing number of CSNs.

 “The bill also encourages private sector assistance and donations to SPED Centers through the grant of incentives like tax credits, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8424, otherwise known as the “National Internal Revenue Code of 1997” Aliping said.

“The bill allows local government units to use their Special Education Fund to support activities for the growth and development of children with special needs.This ensures free provision of textbooks and instructional materials to DepEd, SPED teachers, and children with disabilities,” he added.

Aliping said there are several universities in Baguio offering Special Education Teachers courses. “Once the bill is approved, these future teachers will have more opportunities to practice their expertise,” he said.