Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING FREE SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES FOR PHYSICALLY
DISABLED PERSONS WHO WILL ENROLL IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND
SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTRY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Easy access to education is a basic right that should be enjoyed by everyone. It
is also one of government's main concerns as espoused by our Constitution. Special
education is no exception. As this branch of education is commonly associated with
children with special needs, it should also be made accessible to physically disabled
persons. Sadly however, our public elementary and secondary schools do not provide
classes for special education.

Therefore, this proposal seeks to resolve this problem by creating special
education classes for physically disabled persons who enroll in all public elementary
and secondary schools throughout the country. This will be free of charge and will help
the physically disabled develop their maximum potential and learning competencies
Their exposure to such type of classes will help prepare them for civic efficiency making
them valuable assets to the community.

In view of the paramount importance of this important piece of social legislation,
its expeditious passage into law is earnestly requested

Ye
DIOSDADO -APAGAL ARROYO GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
Second District, Camarines Sur Setond District, Pampanga
1


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3037

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING FREE SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSES FOR PHYSICALLY
DISABLED PERSONS WHO WILL ENROLL IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND
SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF THE COUNTRY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Policy. — It is the policy of the State to promote the right of an
individual to quality education best suited to his/her needs

SECTION 2. Establishment. - Pursuant to the above policy, there shall be
established under the supervision of the Department of Education free special
education classes for the physically disabled persons who will enroll in all the public
elementary and secondary school throughout the country.

SECTION 3. Objectives. - Free Special Education Classes shall aim to develop
the maximum potential and learning competencies of the disabled person to prepare
him for civic efficiency and as valuable asset to the community in the future.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms - For the purpose of this Act, the term "Special
Education Classes" shall refer to classes modified curricular or programs of instructions
designed to meet the unique needs of physically disabled persons.


"Special education teacher" shall mean any teacher who handles a special class
of physically disabled persons whether formally trained or trained through in-service
training, seminars, and workshops on the national, division or district level.

SECTION 5. Requisites of a Special Education Program. - An effective Special
Education Program must have the following requisites:

a. Identification, screening, assessment and evaluation of disabled persons to be
conducted by a team, which shall be composed of five (5) members and headed
by the district supervisor;

b. Modification of the curriculum and the modification of special programs to suit
the needs of the disabled persons;

c. Provisions of modern gadgets, facilities and equipment and other necessary
teaching-learning materials as would ensure the full development of the disabled
person's potentials;

d, Holding of regular Special Education Teachers’ Training Programs, in service
seminars and workshops;

e. Continuing research on matters relevant to special education programs and
delivery systems for the disabled person.

SECTION 6. Special Education Class Prototypes. — Every school district shall
organize special education classes based on the following prototypes:

a. Grouping - clustering of small groups from different sections in one particular
grade level to be under a qualified teacher who could modify the curriculum to
suit the needs of the gifted disabled person;

b. Vertical Acceleration - advanced placement, tutoring and acceleration by
grade skipping of time comprehension;

c. Horizontal Acceleration - a type of mentorship wherein gifted disabled

persons are paired with adults who serve their mentors in a subject of mutual
interest; individual or group research project; a care or block program for the
integration of ideas from two or more subjects

For maximum efficiency, each class or grouping shall be composed of not more
than twenty-five (25) students.

SECTION 7. Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the Department of
Education shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry
out the provisions of this Act.


SECTION 8. Appropriations. - The initial amount of Ten Million Pesos
(P10,000,000.00) needed for immediate implementation of this Act, shall be charged to
the appropriations of the Department of Education, under the current General
Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for its continued
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, issuances, rules and regulations or any provisions, inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,