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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
t!MfI;r- rrl" 11(\1' i'l'{'1':':lbf\J, 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
JUL 18 P t\ :10 
__________________ S_._NO_~E_N_~_T~_5 __________ 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago' 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Aliicle 14, Section 2 (I) provides that: 
SEC.2(1). The State shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, 
adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people 
and society. 
Many children with special needs are in regular education classrooms due to lack of 
special schools for them. As children with special needs are mainstream ed, it is critical that they 
are placed in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs and that their teachers in 
regular classrooms have an understanding of their special needs. 
Hence, this bill seeks to establish a comprehensive training program for teachers of 
children with special needs.' 
Lw,- 4f . 
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MIRIAM DEF 
SOR S~TI¥,d 
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* This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session. 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
{ti}fh;£ of !iii< j",t'ubU'\! 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
JUL 18 P 4 :1 0 
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SENATE 
_____________________ S_,_N_O_, __ 9 __ 3_5 _____________ I_tf_:(_'f_._'_ 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM 
FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
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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Special Needs 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 special needs 
lOin such classrooms through training programs, 
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For purposes of this Act, "children with special needs" shall refer to children who are 
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disabled, impaired, or handicapped in need of special education as well as services for 
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rehabilitation, They differ from the average child in mental characteristics, sensory abilities, 
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neuro-muscular or physical characteristics, multiple handicaps, and/or a developmental lag to 
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such an extent that requires modified school practices or special education services to develop 
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their maximum capabilities. 
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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 teachers 
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of children with special needs, 
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SECTION 4. Special Program Curriculum. - The Secretary of Education, in coordination. 
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with the Commission on Higher Education, shall prescribe the special program curriculum to be 
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offered in state universities offering training programs. The special program curriculum shall 
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include special courses on child psychology, teach the substance and teaching skills associated 
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with handling of children with special needs, develop special materials and methods, conduct 
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pilot and demonstration projects, and involve participation of experts in child psychology in the 
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provision of special activities designed to enhance the teaching skills of teachers of children with 
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special needs. 
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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 othelwise affected shall remain 
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valid and SUbsisting. 
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SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. -Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executi\{e 
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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 (IS) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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