SENATOR Bam Aquino urged the government to prioritize and strengthen support for children with disabilities, particularly students in public schools.

Aquino said the government must ensure that the needs of children with disabilities and learners with special needs are properly addressed.

He made the statement in support of Sen. Raffy Tulfo, who earlier lamented the government’s insufficient assistance to children with disabilities, special needs students, and their families.

As chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, Aquino said he will work closely with Tulfo to address issues affecting children with disabilities and students with special needs.

“Nararapat po itong ma-raise and we will work hand-in-hand with the good Senator Tulfo as soon as we can reconvene our committee, pagdating sa mga children with special needs at mga estudyanteng may special needs,” he said.

“Puwede po tayong magtulungan para mabigyan ng solusyon ang problemang ito at makahanap po tayo ng solusyon para sa mga pamilya nila,” he added.

The senator cited the EDCOM 2 report, which stated that one out of every five students has a disability or special concern that requires proper attention.

However, Aquino said the government currently lacks sufficient facilities, funding, and other resources to adequately support these children and their families.

“Kung ikukumpara po natin ang pondo, ang imprastruktura, at ang kakayahan na matulungan ang mga kabataang may special needs, kung ikukumpara po sa nakalaang budget ay malayo po talaga. Hindi sapat ang facilities na binibigay ng gobyerno,” he said.

“Iyong iba po walang pambayad at nakaasa lang po talaga sa government facilities na kulang. Iyong mga gusto naman po magbayad, wala rin naman pong mapuntahan,” he added.