Gatchalian seeks more funding to put up SPED centers in regions

Students of the Araullo High School in Ermita, Manila attend their first class during the opening of the new school year on June 3, 2019

The STAR / Miguel de Guzman, File photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education should get an increased budget of P160 million from the P96 million set aside for capital outlay so local governments can put up learning centers for students with special needs. 

The department earlier admitted it has no funding for special education programs under the proposed national budget. "Despite our earnest efforts to advocate for our learners with special needs, it was not considered in the National Expenditure Program," the department said in an earlier statement. 

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said increasing capital outlay would allow regions in the country to put up a model Inclusive Learning Resource Center for Learners with Disabilities. The senator added that he will submit his proposals on potential funding sources to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/11/16/2224255/gatchalian-seeks-more-funding-put-sped-centers-regions