Foundation of Special Education and Inclusive Education

Daniel T. Soriano
Dr. Thelma Co
The Legal Bases of Special Education in the Philippines
The Legal Bases of Special Education in the Philippines
Republic Act No. 3562
“ An Act To Promote the Education of the Blind in the Philippines” on June 21,
1963 provided for the formal training of special education teachers of blind children at
the Philippine Normal College, the rehabilitation of the Philippine National School for the
Blind (PNSB) and the establishment of the Philippine Printing House for the Blind.
Republic Act No. 3562
“ An Act To Promote the Education of the Blind in the Philippines” on June 21,
1963 provided for the formal training of special education teachers of blind children at
the Philippine Normal College, the rehabilitation of the Philippine National School for the
Blind (PNSB) and the establishment of the Philippine Printing House for the Blind.
Republic Act No. 3562
“ An Act To Promote the Education of the Blind in the Philippines” on June 21,
1963 provided for the formal training of special education teachers of blind children at
the Philippine Normal College, the rehabilitation of the Philippine National School for the
Blind (PNSB) and the establishment of the Philippine Printing House for the Blind.
Republic Act No. 3562
“ An Act To Promote the Education of the Blind in the Philippines” on June 21,
1963 provided for the formal training of special education teachers of blind children at
the Philippine Normal College, the rehabilitation of the Philippine National School for the
Blind (PNSB) and the establishment of the Philippine Printing House for the Blind.
Republic Act No. 3562
“ An Act To Promote the Education of the Blind in the Philippines” on June 21,
1963 provided for the formal training of special education teachers of blind children at
the Philippine Normal College, the rehabilitation of the Philippine National School for the
Blind (PNSB) and the establishment of the Philippine Printing House for the Blind.
Special education in the Philippines is anchored on fundamental legal documents that present a
chronological event on the growth and development of the program. The first legal basis of the
care and protection of children with disabilities was enacted in 1935. Articles 356 and 259 of
the Commonwealth Act No. 3203 asserted “the right of every child to live in an atmosphere
conducive to his physical, moral and intellectual development” and the concomitant duty of the
government “to promote the full growth of the faculties of every child.”
The first legal basis for special inclusive education in the Philippines is when a law that
President Rodrigo Rao Duterte signed requires all schools in the country to provide inclusive
education for students with disabilities. In accordance with Republic Act (RA) 11650, which
Duterte signed on March 11, no learner shall be denied admission due to a disability.
The movie that I can recommend to watch is the Indian movie titled Taare Zameen Par (Every
Child is Special). In this movie there’s a student that has named Ishaan, a student who has
dyslexia, cannot seem to get anything right at his boarding school. Soon, a new unconventional
art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, helps him discover his hidden potential.

Reflection about the Movie

Ishaan Awasthi, a young person with intellectual impairments, was the subject of the extremely
intriguing film "Taare Zameen Par." Ishaan seemed to be unappreciated by everyone, including
his parents, fellow students, and teachers at his school. He was always misunderstood.
Teachers at school find it difficult to comprehend him and assume that he is simply insane,
lethargic, and disobedient. They did not even attempt to investigate the child's academic
struggles. Also, he was regularly bullied by other kids because they felt he was an imbecile.
Even his father struggles to comprehend how Ishaan differs from his more learned older sibling.
Since his academic standing did not improve, his father decided to send him to boarding school
because he believed Ishaan was an unruly and slothful child must be disciplined, but he is
unaware that keeping the child away from them will make the youngster more upset and make
them desire to avoid social interaction. Nevertheless, when the teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh,
arrived, he noticed that Ishaan had a problem.

Ishaan's classmate and Teacher Ram's examination of previous textbooks revealed to him that
the youngster was suffering from dyslexia while also being extremely gifted and brilliant. I
appreciate how instructor Ram responded to Ishaan since it was clear from his actions that he
genuinely cares about kids with unique needs. Ishaan was able to rediscover his love of painting
because of his time, effort, patience, and care; this inspires the youngster to work hard in
school and never give up.