Senator Bam Aquino called for prioritizing and strengthening support for children with disabilities, particularly public school students with special needs, emphasizing that the government must ensure their requirements are properly addressed.
Aquino made the statement in support of Senator Raffy Tulfo, who highlighted the lack of government assistance for children with disabilities, students with special needs, and their families.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Aquino said he will collaborate with Tulfo to find solutions to the challenges faced by these students.
“Nararapat po itong ma-raise and we will work hand-in-hand with the good senator (Tulfo), as soon as we can reconvene our committee, pagdating sa mga children with special needs at mga estudyanteng may special needs,” he said.
“Puwede po tayong magtulungan para mabigyan ng solusyon ang problema nito at makahanap po tayo ng solusyon para sa mga pamilya nila,” he added.
Aquino cited the EDCOM 2 report, which states that one in every five students has a disability or special need requiring appropriate attention.
He noted, however, that government facilities, funding, and other essential resources remain insufficient to adequately support these children and their families.