Cebu solon pushes reforms to support special children

CEBU, Philippines — Calling the situation a “silent crisis” affecting the country’s most vulnerable children, Cebu City South District Representative Edu Rama is pushing for reforms to strengthen support for families raising children with special needs.

Rama has filed House Bill No. 4353, or the proposed “Inclusive Development and Well-Being of Children with Special Needs Act,” which seeks to institutionalize comprehensive, integrated, and immediate support for Filipino children with special needs (CSNs).

The measure comes amid alarming data from the United Nations Children’s Fund, which estimates that around 1.6 million Filipino children live with learning disabilities. However, Department of Education records for School Year 2024–2025 show that only 391,089 learners with disabilities are enrolled in public schools—less than 40 percent of those identified.

Rama underscored the heavy financial burden borne by families, noting that a single occupational or speech therapy session can cost between P850 and P3,000. Monthly expenses can easily reach P5,000 to P10,000 for children requiring multiple interventions.

“For the average Filipino family, these costs are beyond reach,” Rama said. “Parents are faced with the economic constraints of addressing the special needs of their children. This bill is an investment in the future of our nation and a strong reflection of our values as Filipinos, upholding the dignity and rights of every child to reach their fullest potential.”

The proposed legislation affirms the State’s duty to protect and promote the rights of CSNs, recognizing their inherent dignity and right to achieve their fullest potential. It establishes a national framework focused on coordinated implementation, accessible therapy and education, financial assistance, and public awareness.

Central to the measure is the creation of an Inter-Agency Coordinating Council for Children with Special Needs, to be composed of representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Education, National Council on Disability Affairs, PhilHealth, and two private sector organizations directly involved in CSN programs. The council will be tasked with formulating a comprehensive national plan and harmonizing the efforts of concerned agencies.

To address gaps in services, particularly in underserved areas, the bill mandates the expansion of special education (SPED) schools and centers, as well as the provision of subsidies, vouchers, and expanded PhilHealth coverage for therapeutic services and medical care. Priority will be given to indigent and low-income families.

The measure also proposes a system of grants and vouchers to help cover the costs of therapy, assistive devices, and specialized education, to be implemented by the DSWD in coordination with other agencies.

Beyond institutional support, the bill seeks to promote a more inclusive society. It directs the DepEd to integrate inclusive education policies and disability rights into school curricula and mandates the development of safe and accessible public spaces for children with special needs. It also calls for the study of possible tax incentives for parents and legal guardians, including deductions for medical and therapy-related expenses. — /FPL (FREEMAN)