THE SECOND Congressional Commission or EDCOM 2 highlighted the need for more specialized healthcare workers to fully implement the Inclusive Education Act, or RA 11650.

The Commission conducted a visit to Batino Elementary School, a Special Education or SPED Center, in connection to its priority areas on learner well-being and inclusion.

EDCOM 2 noted in its Year 2 Report that there is a link between students’ well-being and their learning outcomes.

Signed into law in 2022, the Inclusive Education Act was established to ensure a comprehensive policy of inclusion for learners with disabilities, though its implementation has encountered several delays.

Despite the Implementing Rules and Regulations only being published in December 2024, DepEd has begun converting 32 SPED Centers into ILRCs, with 12 being partially functional according to DepEd Director Marilyn Siao.

However, the full operationalization of these ILRCs has been affected due to challenges in staffing the multidisciplinary teams required to support learners with disabilities.

Under the law, ILRCs will hire development pediatricians, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other specialists who are essential in diagnosing disabilities and designing interventions.

The implementation of RA 11650 is reliant on specialized health professionals who can address the different needs of learners with disabilities.

EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo stressed the importance of these experts, stating, “The essence of the ILRCs is the Multidisciplinary Team composed of representatives from DepEd, TESDA, DSWD, including various therapists who can cater to learners with special needs.”

This need for specialists is made more urgent by a shortage in the national health workforce.