Philippines' DepEd Develops AI Tool to Identify Students at Risk of Disabilities

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The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines is taking a significant step forward by developing an AI tool aimed at helping schools identify students who may be "at risk of disabilities." This initiative, announced on April 28, seeks to bridge existing gaps in the education system through the AI-based tool known as Screening using AI-Based Assistance for Young children or SABAY.

DepEd has faced challenges in identifying and supporting students with disabilities, largely due to regular classroom teachers lacking adequate training and a shortage of specialists qualified to assess diverse learning needs. This has left many children undiagnosed or segregated into special education centres instead of inclusive classrooms. The situation is exacerbated by an acute shortage of over 7,600 special education teachers nationwide.

The SABAY project, still in its early stages, aims to reduce screening time and lessen the workload on teachers, ultimately ensuring that children needing intervention receive timely support. Erika Legara, managing director of DepEd's Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR), highlighted the focus on creating a tool that generates interpretable and real-world insights to guide school-level decision-making effectively.

DepEd is collaborating with the Bureau of Learning Delivery – Student Inclusion Division, special education experts, and health professionals to finalize the architecture and design of SABAY. The department plans to launch pilot data collection in select schools across Metro Manila, before scaling the initiative to other regions.

The AI tool is also set to enhance the implementation of the Child Find System, as supported by Republic Act 11650, or the Inclusive Education Act, which mandates active measures to locate and support children with disabilities or learning challenges.

In 2022, DepEd's Child Find Policy directed public school teachers to identify children in their communities who have never attended school or who struggle with learning. Teachers were advised to use classroom-based assessments to detect developmental delays and strengths while awaiting formal medical evaluations.

Through SABAY, DepEd underscores its commitment to inclusive education, ensuring all Filipino children have access to quality education regardless of their abilities. As Sabrina Angara, a representative for DepEd, stated, the project ensures "learners with disabilities are no longer left behind."

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-04-28