ANG Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred Delos Santos has filed a measure seeking to strengthen both the number and capabilities of special education (SPED) teachers in public schools.

Under House Bill 7855, or the proposed SPED Teaching Force Act, Delos Santos emphasized that Congress has a responsibility to ensure that learners requiring special education are not left behind.

“Carrying out such a duty necessitates securing enough SPED teachers for public schools, especially in rural areas where private institutions offering SPED may not be accessible or affordable,” Delos Santos said in his explanatory note.

The lawmaker noted that while enrollment of SPED learners has steadily increased in recent years, SPED centers continue to face persistent staffing shortages due to a lack of qualified teachers.

As a result, general education teachers are often compelled to handle SPED classes without adequate—or sustained—training and instructional materials. At the same time, experienced SPED teachers continue to leave the country for better opportunities abroad, further exacerbating the gap.

To address these challenges, the measure promotes the hiring of teachers who have specialized in SPED, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to effectively handle SPED classes.

It also provides for updated training and supplemental resources for general education teachers currently assigned to SPED, while mandating the prioritization of SPED center development in underserved and rural areas.