Senator Bam Aquino raised the urgent issue of children with disabilities during a Senate session this December. The numbers he shared revealed a problem bigger than policy—it’s about children left behind and families struggling without support.
An estimated 5.1 million Filipino children live with disabilities, but only a small number are officially counted or supported in schools. Aquino called this a “gaping hole” in government services and promised to reconvene the Senate Committee on Basic Education to address it. He was joined by Senator Raffy Tulfo, and both stressed that action cannot wait.
Even though the Inclusive Education Act exists, Aquino said many learners with special needs still face a lack of funding, services, and support.
Data from the EDCOM 2 report shows the problem clearly: while there are 5.1 million children with disabilities, only 8 percent, or about 391,000, are recorded in schools.
“In the EDCOM 2 report, it turns out that one out of every five students has a disability or has a concern that needs proper attention,” Aquino said.
The situation is made worse because about 61 percent of children with disabilities do not have a formal medical diagnosis. Many are identified only by classroom observations, as professional assessments are too expensive for most families.
“The percentage is high. We need to look further into these numbers to understand the full picture,” Aquino added.
Parents have turned to Aquino for help, often feeling helpless due to the lack of public services and the high cost of private therapy. Schools are struggling too—only 32 percent of students with disabilities have access to a specialized teacher, and some schools operate on as little as P333 to P488 per student per year.
Even when facilities exist, they are often unused. 69 percent of Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) have been built, but most remain “empty shells” without the therapists and specialists children need.
“If we compare the funds, infrastructure, and support available to children with special needs to what is expected, it falls far short. Some children rely entirely on government services—and it’s not enough,” he said.
Aquino promised to act quickly.
“We will work, Mr. President, hand in hand. As soon as we can reconvene our committee, we can find solutions for children with special needs and their families,” Aquino said.
This push comes as Senator Tulfo seeks a P40-million increase for Project ARUGA, a program that gives financial help to families of children with disabilities.
Aquino said real change requires more than short-term aid. It needs a holistic approach—improving funding, education, staffing, and services.
Behind every statistic is a child waiting for a chance—and 5.1 million reasons why the country must act now.
