Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr. has introduced a legislative measure aimed at enhancing educational support for learners with sensory impairments across the Philippines. The bill, filed on March 5, 2026, seeks to establish Specialized Inclusive Education (SPED) Service Units in every city and municipality nationwide.
Details of House Bill No. 8310
Under House Bill No. 8310, the Department of Education (DepEd) will collaborate with local government units to set up SPED Service Units. These units will operate within or adjacent to the Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) that were established under Republic Act 11650, also known as the Inclusive Education Act. The primary goal is to bridge existing gaps in service delivery at the local level.
Target Beneficiaries and Services
The SPED units are designed to assist DepEd and ILRCs in providing comprehensive education support services. They will focus on learners who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or with low vision, or have speech or language impairments. Additionally, these units will support students enrolled in regular schools or those who have discontinued their education by facilitating their transition to independent living, vocational training, and employment opportunities.
Facilities associated with the SPED units will be specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the beneficiaries, ensuring accessibility and effectiveness.
Addressing Persistent Challenges
Despite the enactment of RA 11650, Representative Lazatin highlighted that significant challenges remain in ensuring that specialized services are readily accessible locally. He pointed out limitations in specialized personnel, assistive technology, and accessible facilities as key barriers that need to be addressed.
Data from the Department of Education for School Year 2016–2017 underscores the urgency of this initiative. During that period, 232,975 learners with disabilities or learning exceptionalities were integrated into regular classes. Among them, 19,535 had visual impairments, 13,365 had hearing impairments, and 6,568 had speech or language impairments.
Lazatin emphasized that providing quality and inclusive education continues to be a formidable challenge in the country.
Broader Legislative Efforts
This bill is part of Lazatin's ongoing commitment to inclusive education. In October 2025, he also filed House Bill No. 5125, which aims to establish national and provincial centers for autism. These proposed centers would develop and implement programs for the diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation of individuals with autism. They would offer services such as vocational training, employment support, and counseling for both individuals with autism and their families.
The introduction of House Bill No. 8310 represents a proactive step toward creating a more inclusive educational environment, ensuring that learners with sensory impairments receive the necessary support to thrive academically and socially.
