Inclusive Education in the Philippines: Status and Challenges

Overview of Inclusive Education

• Focus on the status in the Philippine setting.
• Philippines: signatory to the EFA Framework of Action (1990) and Salamangka Statement (1994).
• Current status: surface level in implementing inclusive education, with need for further research and documentation.

Policy Framework

• Established policies exist, yet quality and durability of implementation remain issues.
• Comparison to international status: moderately good, but weaknesses in implementation.

Core Principles of Inclusive Education

• Realized through learner-centered and context-responsive programs.
• Department of Education (DepEd) initiatives, alongside NGO efforts.
• Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 emphasizes institutional sensitivity and responsiveness to learner needs.

Milestone Declarations and Laws

Key Legislation Shaping Inclusive Education:

1. PD-603 (1974): Child and Youth Welfare Code - Promotes welfare and opportunities for all children.
2. Education Act of 1982: Guarantees the right to relevant quality education for all.
3. 1987 Philippine Constitution (Article 14): Protects the right to quality education and accessibility.
4. RA No. 7610 (1992): Special Protection of Children - Protects children from abuse and discrimination.
5. Department Order No. 26 (1997): Institutionalizes Special Education Programs in Schools.
6. RA No. 8371 (1997): Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act - Promotes the rights of indigenous communities.
7. RA No. 8980 (2000): Early Childhood Care and Development Act - Focus on early detection and intervention.
8. RA No. 9155 (2000): Governance of Basic Education Act - Ensures accessible quality basic education.
9. RA No. 9442 (2007): Amends the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons - Supports integration of persons with disabilities.
10. Department Order No. 72 (2009): Inclusive Education Strategy for Participation Rates.
11. RA No. 10157 (2011): Kindergarten Education Act - Ensures accessible kindergarten education for all.
12. RA No. 10361 (2012): Domestic Workers Act - Opens educational opportunities for domestic workers.
13. RA No. 10410 (2013): Early Years Act - Promotes inclusion of children with special needs.
14. RA No. 10533 (2013): Enhanced Basic Education Act - Supports inclusive education through K-12.
15. RA No. 10665 (2016): Open High School System - Broadens access to secondary education.
16. Inclusive Education Bill (2021): Proposes inclusion for all learners with disabilities.

DepEd's Inclusive Education Programs

• Programs for gifted learners, learners with disabilities, madrasa program, indigenous education, and learners in challenging circumstances.

Challenges in Implementation

• Mindset: Lack of understanding of the importance of inclusion across all societal levels.
• Teacher Training: Insufficient training for general education teachers on inclusive practices.
• Funding: Inadequate financial resources for implementing inclusive education.
• Resources: Shortage of special education teachers and facilities.
• Allocation of Learning Materials: Ineffective distribution of materials for diverse learning needs.

Proposed Strategies for Improvement

1. Awareness: Increase understanding of inclusion's value across communities.
2. Teacher Training: Enhance training for both in-service and pre-service teachers on inclusive education strategies.
3. Funding: Advocate for increased funding and resources for inclusive education initiatives.
4. Community Involvement: Engage all stakeholders in supporting inclusive education efforts.

Conclusion

• Importance of inclusive education in promoting equal opportunities.
• Encouragement for students to reflect on their role in promoting inclusive education through a poster activity.

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Reflection Activity

• Task: Create a poster on your role in promoting and expanding inclusive education in the Philippines.
• Format: Digital or traditional.
• Details: Additional information on the activity will be provided next week.