MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino has called for stronger government support for children with disabilities and students with special needs, stressing that their needs must be adequately addressed, especially in public schools.

Aquino issued the statement as he backed Senator Raffy Tulfo, who earlier raised concerns about insufficient government assistance for children with disabilities, special needs students, and their families.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Aquino said he will work closely with Tulfo to craft solutions to the issues affecting these learners. “Nararapat po itong ma-raise and we will work hand-in-hand with the good senator (Tulfo), as soon as we can reconvene our committee, pagdating sa mga children with special needs at mga estudyanteng may special needs,” he said.

“Puwede po tayong magtulungan para mabigyan ng solusyon ang problema nito at makahanap po tayo ng solusyon para sa mga pamilya nila,” he added.

Aquino cited the EDCOM 2 report, which found that one in every five students has a disability or special concern requiring proper attention. He said the government does not currently have enough facilities, funding, and resources to support these students and their families.

“Kung ikukumpara po natin ang pondo, ang imprastruktura, at ang kakayanan na matulungan ang mga kabataang may special needs, kung ikukumpara po sa nakalaang budget ay malayo po talaga. Hindi sapat ang facilities na binibigay ng gobyerno,” he said.

“Iyong iba po walang pambayad at nakaasa lang po talaga sa government facilities at kulang. Iyong mga gusto naman po magbayad, wala rin naman po mapuntahan,” he added.