FIRST DISTRICT, Pampanga – Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. wants to strengthen the implementation of R.A. 11650 through the establishment of Specialized Inclusive Education (SPED) Service Units in all cities and municipalities for learners who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, blind or with low vision, or speech-language impaired.
Under House Bill No. 8310, filed by Lazatin on March 5, 2026, the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with LGUs, shall establish SPED Service Units in cities and municipalities as part of, co-located with, or operationally-linked to Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs) established under R.A. 11650 or the “Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act.”
The SPED Service Units shall assist the DepEd and the ILRCs in providing special and quality education support services; assisting covered learners enrolled in regular schools, or those who have left school programs, in their transition to independent living, vocational training and competitive employment; and providing hubs and/or satellite facilities that are architecturally and programmatically designed according to the needs of the covered learners.
“Despite the enactment of R.A. 11650, implementation gaps remain in ensuring that services are readily available to learners who are sensory impaired, particularly at the local level where specialized personnel, assistive technology, and accessible facilities may be limited,” Lazatin said.
DepEd date for School Year 2016-2017 show that 232,975 learners with disabilities or learning exceptionalities were being mainstreamed into regular classes. Of these cases, 19,535 were diagnosed with visual impairment, 13,365 with hearing impairment, and 6,568 with speech or language impairment.
“Providing quality education to Filipino learners is already very challenging, but making quality education inclusive would definitely test our commitment to this goal,” Lazatin said.
Throughout his years in public service, Lazatin has remained a champion of inclusive policies.
It can be recalled that on October 6, 2025, Lazatin also filed HB 5125, which mandates the establishment of National and Provincial Centers for Autism.
Under HB 5125, national and provincial centers for autism will be established to formulate and implement an integrated and comprehensive plan for the diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation of individuals with autism.
The centers shall provide free diagnosis, therapy, and rehabilitation; vocational training for adults with autism; employment opportunities for individuals with autism; and counseling, orientation, and referral services.
“Through the establishment of these centers, we hope to provide individuals with autism and their families a place to seek assistance from, access education, and find a community,” Lazatin said.
