Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has filed a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the government’s Special Education (SPED) program and Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs), pointing out the persistent difficulties learners with disabilities face in obtaining quality education and assistance.
De Lima explained that the legislative review intends to assess the enforcement of current inclusive education mandates and determine if new laws are required to correct long-standing gaps in the system.
The lawmaker highlighted in her resolution that despite statutory protections for persons with disabilities, numerous students still face structural hurdles that restrict their schooling opportunities.
“Despite existing laws… the full realization of inclusive education remains constrained by systemic and cultural barriers as many schools still lack the necessary resources, teacher training, and institutional support,” the resolution stated.
“Amid persistent challenges in the implementation of SPED and societal stigma toward learners with disabilities, the state must ensure their right to quality education and that Congress crafts responsive measures to strengthen institutional support, promote equitable access, and advance genuine inclusion in the Philippine education system,” it added.
According to De Lima, the probe will scrutinize policy gaps, funding shortages, and operational bottlenecks that hinder SPED programs and inclusive learning initiatives across the country.
She hopes the investigation will offer lawmakers a transparent look into the sector’s struggles, guiding the creation of stronger support mechanisms and better service delivery.
The former senator cautioned that failing to fix these systemic shortcomings leaves special education learners and their families marginalized.
“Further delays in the implementation of SPED and unresolved inefficiencies in inclusive education are a disservice to learners and their families who need these interventions most,” De Lima said.
Reflecting on her personal journey as a mother and grandmother to children on the autism spectrum, she emphasized that good policies are meaningless without proper execution.
“Hindi kailanman sasapat ang pag-iral lang ng magagandang batas. Nakapanghihinayang na ang batas para sa learners with disabilities ay hindi naipatutupad nang maayos, (The mere existence of good laws will never be enough. It is deeply regrettable that the law for learners with disabilities is not being implemented properly,)” she said.
“Malaking pagkukulang ito at pagkakait ng serbisyo para sa maraming indibidwal na may kapansanan at sa kanilang pamilya. We must turn policies into meaningful action. (This is a major shortcoming and a denial of service to many individuals with disabilities and their families. We must turn policies into meaningful action.)”