LACK OF SPED TEACHERS, ILRC FACILITIES CHALLENGE INCLUSIVE LEARNING IN CAR

June 28, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

Lack of special education teachers, facilities and resources topped the challenges facing the so-called inclusive learning for learners with disabilities. Regional Director Estella P. Leon-Cariño, Department of Education -Cordillera (DepEd-CAR) told reporters during the 2nd Quarter Kapihan sa DepEd-Cordillera hosted by the Schools Division Office-Baguio City. ‘Noticeable lack of SPED teachers at the high school level, despite having ample funding to support educators,’ Cariño said.

Also, the challenge -lack of resources and facilities, having only two ILCRs in Baguio-Benguet paired with the lack of expert and permanent personnel in assessing learners with disabilities, Cariño added. Though Cariño appreciate the national government efforts through DepEd for establishing two Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRC) in Baguio City and Benguet, however, at least each School Division Office shall have facilities with special education teachers.

These specialized learning centers are known collectively as Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRC), that will target different disabilities giving priority and focus on learner’s needs. Cariño also stated the issue of mainstreaming into regular classes which has raised
several scenarios- many teachers are unequipped and underprepared on how to handle children with special needs in a normal classroom
setting. “We have to accept that there are still some parents who are not really open to letting them be assessed and having them re-enroll in SPED”, added Cariño.

Furthermore, in the forum, a potential venture that may impact the program’s effectiveness and address its issue with manpower is collaborating with higher institutions, such as the University of the Philippines due to the variety of college programs that specialize in catering to learners with disabilities, such as the field of Psychology. “We are open to, if there are people who can help us assess the learners. But as to the teachers who will come to DepEd, the salary grade is only 14,” responded Cariño.

‘The issue is not strictly within the funding for SPED teachers and personnel, but the low salary grade that disincentivizes qualified workers from applying for these positions, prompting them to look for better opportunities, such as going abroad,’ the education official said. Cariño further said ‘despite having a salary range of P27, 000 – P30, 000 a month is still not sufficient for SPED teachers due to the
challenging nature of the profession. For the record, Republic Act 11650 otherwise known as Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act, aims to offer a more inclusive and safe learning environment for
children with disabilities due to the alarming rise of children developing with special needs.

Lorie Bernadett Laririt /UC-Intern