Jessica Bartolome (GMA News)
State think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) on Saturday urged the government to provide mobile special education (SPED) schools for children with disability (PWD).
PIDS made the recommendation to address the low school participation rate of PWDs.
A study conducted by the PIDS and the Institute of Development Economies Japan External Trade Organization showed that SPED schools are often far from the place of residence of PWD children, which can explain the increasing number of dropouts among their group.
According to the study, which was conducted in Mandaue City and San Remigio in Cebu, only 40 percent of children with disabilities from the poorest population are attending school in San Remigio due to the lack of teaching facilities.
The non-formal SPED classes being held in the local elementary school were also limited to hearing-impaired children.
PIDS Research Associate Adrian Agbon said that mobile SPED schools would encourage children with disability to continue and finish their studies.
Agbon also urged the Department of Education to enhance its Alternative Learning System Mobile Teacher Program to cater to all types of disabilities among children.