Throughout ARMM, there are only two (2) functional facilities on special education - SPED Center in Jolo and SPED Classes in Bongao. To make sure these critical and specialized program is available throughout ARMM, Regional Secretary Atty. Jamar M. Kulayan signed Regional Order 29, series 2014, revitalizing the Special Program in the ARMM.
While the long-term and eventual focus is integration and mainstreaming, key activities shall be undertaken toward this goal including profiling and mapping of differently-abled school-aged children, establishment of SPED centers, identification and training of qualified teachers and trainers, provision of support system, regular monitoring and evaluation, close coordination with DepEd Central and other stakeholders, and undertake resourcing to sustain and expand program if needed.
Following this order, the existing facilities in Jolo and Bongao will be expanded, while new SPED centers will be constructed in Marawi (to service the city and Lanao Sur province), Lamitan (to service the city and Basilan province) and Maguindanao II (to service Maguindanao province).
Target implementing divisions are directed to undertake site identification, coordination with local DSWD office for initial listing and prospective teachers for specialized training.
According to Secretary Kulayan, DepEd-ARMM have both the legal mandate and moral obligation and echoing late President Magsaysay's timeless line, "those who have less in life should have more in law".
