FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
!O:lli. 2:17 
SENc..T.E~ 
S. No. 
J.ti!j8 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 14, Section 2 (1) provides that: 
SEC.2(l). The State shall establish, maintain, and support a 
complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to 
the needs ofthe people and society. 
,; 
Health care has always been last among the priorities of many Filipino families. In many 
cases, a lot of our countrymen seek medical attention only if their condition is already at an 
Many children with handicaps are in regular education classrooms due to lack of special 
, 
schools for tbem. 
As children with special needs are mainstreamed, it is critical that these children are placed in the 
least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs and that their teachers in regular 
classrooms have an understanding oftheir special needs. 
Hence, this bill seeks to establish a comprehensive training program for teachers of 
children with handicap.' 
, 
This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session. 
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',;:1>/ ".fe 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
(tl'FlCIf; 0;· >tc 
t~~2t':nL~,1I",ftl.(1 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SEN~F&98 
S.No. ___ _ 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
1 
AN ACT 
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ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM 
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FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WITH HANDICAP 
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Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
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Congress assembled: 
. 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Teachers of Children with 
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Handicaps Enhancement Act." 
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SECTION 2. Program Authorized. - The Secretary of Education is authorized to make 
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grants in accordance with this Act to carry out activities and programs designed to increase the 
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preparedness of mainstream classroom teachers for the preparation of children with handicaps in 
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such classrooms through training programs. 
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SECTION 3. Use of Funds. - Funds provided pursuant to this Act shall be used to make 
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grants to state universities which shall be required to put up special training program for 
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teachers. The special programs shall consist of modules designed to increase the awareness of 
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teachers of children with handicaps on the special nature of such children, with emphasis on their 
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peculiar needs and to equip them with strategies on how to reach out to these children. 
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SECTION 4. Special Program Curriculum. - The Secretary of Education, in coordination 
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with the Chailman of the Commission on Higher Education, shall prescribe the special program 
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curriculum to be offered in state universities offering training programs. The special program 
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curriculum shall include special courses on child psychology, teach the substance and teaching 
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skills associated with handling of children with handicaps, develop special materials and 
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methods, conduct pilot and demonstration projects, and involve participation of experts in child 
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psychology in the provision of special activities designed to enhance the teaching skills of 
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teachers of children with handicaps. 
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SECTION 5. Application Required. - Each entity desiring a grant under this Act shall 
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submit an application to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner accompanied by such 
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information as the Secretary may reasonably require. 
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SECTION 6. Appropriations. - There shall be appropriated such sums as may be 
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necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
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SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and SUbsisting. 
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SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or is inconsistent 
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with the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 9. EffectiVity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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