The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) celebrates the passage of Republic Act (RA) No. 11650 or “An Act Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education.” This is a significant step in ensuring that learners with disabilities gain equal access to education and opportunities.

The law will benefit approximately 5.5 million learners with disabilities across the country based on data from the Department of Education (DepEd). RA 11650 will address their unique needs and remove roadblocks to learning to enable them to develop in line with their unique potential, learning style, and capacity.

It is notable that the law contemplated a holistic approach for the development of learners with disabilities. Aside from requiring the establishment of Inclusive Learning Resource Center in all cities and municipalities, it also directs DepEd to issue policies and guidelines to protect them against neglect, abuse, cruelty or exploitation, bullying, discrimination, and the like. Creating an enabling environment free from harm and discrimination is essential in cultivating a healthy learning environment. It also protects the welfare and dignity of learners to enable them to focus on their education and to allow them to flourish in socio-cultural undertakings.

RA 11650 also tasked DepEd, in partnership with concerned agencies, to develop formal trainings, orientations, and counseling programs for the learners’ family members, guardians, and care providers. This helps ensure that learners with disabilities are given the proper support at home and beyond the confines of school. Considering that the learners are with their family and guardians majority of the time, this will ensure that their learning is complemented and not impeded by other factors. The provision of support and care for both the teachers and care providers are crucial in sustaining the goals of inclusive education.

In the context of the pandemic, compounding challenges beset the educational situation of learners with disabilities. CHR is hopeful that this law will also help them keep up with the new landscape of education as we gradually transition to the new normal. We also look forward to the law’s efficient and swift implementation to enable learners with disabilities to develop their full potential and gain equal access to opportunities so they will not be left behind in these fast-evolving times.

We express our gratitude to the Chief Executive, members of Congress, government agencies, education sector, civil society organizations, and all individuals who heeded the urgent plight of our vulnerable learners. May this create the momentum for similar policies and programs that will promote equality and enhance opportunities for vulnerable sectors towards building a more just and inclusive society. ###