THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has expressed concern over the delayed implementation of the Inclusive Education for Learners with Disabilities Act, noting that four of the 10 operational guidelines required under the law remain pending more than a year after its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) took effect.

In a statement, EDCOM 2 said Republic Act No. 11650 seeks to ensure that Filipino children with disabilities are identified early, properly assessed, and provided with quality education in learning environments equipped to address their needs.

However, the commission said several key mechanisms needed to fully implement the law have yet to be completed.

According to EDCOM 2, the Department of Education (DepEd) has already established several required governance structures, including the Inter-Agency Coordinating Council for Learners with Disabilities, the Advisory Committee for the Education of Learners with Disabilities, and a dedicated Program Support Budget under the General Appropriations Act.

The department has also developed a Multi-Year Roadmap outlining existing policies, practices, challenges, and priorities for learners with disabilities.

Despite these developments, EDCOM 2 said several critical operational guidelines remain unfinished. These include the framework for the Individualized Education Program and assessment system, curricula for Alternative Educational Programs, Early Intervention and Transition Programs, the Inter-Agency Referral System, and incentives to encourage private sector participation.

The commission also noted that two guidelines have only been partially completed.

While DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2025 provides guidance on the establishment of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers, it does not yet cover their operations, functions, and maintenance.

Meanwhile, DepEd Order No. 23 covers the Integrated Child Find System only for children aged five years and above, leaving children below five years old outside the current policy despite Republic Act No. 11650 extending coverage to them.

EDCOM 2 urged the Department of Education to immediately complete the remaining operational guidelines and address gaps in the partially issued policies to ensure that learners with disabilities receive the support envisioned under the law.

“We hope that DepEd can urgently address the questions of teachers on the ground and issue clear operational guidelines to guide our schools and our parents as we aim to attain a more inclusive education system,” said EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karl Mark Yee.

EDCOM 2 is the congressional body created under Republic Act No. 11899 to assess the performance of the Philippine education sector and recommend reforms to address the country’s education challenges.