October 25, 2019     DSWD-NCR led a Regional Convergence Effort in Advocating and Promoting the Equality and Protection of the Rights of Filipino Children at Rosemead Inn, Inc., West Avenue, Quezon City.

Participated in by DSWD’s officials, representatives from City Social Welfare Development offices of Metro Manila, and DSWD-NCR’s Units, Sections, Centers and Residential Care Facilities, the said Advocacy Forum aims to serve as a venue for open discussion on the children’s issues and policy concerns among partner-stakeholders, re-assess critical provisions to generate further recommendation for the enhancement of the proposed Senate Bill No. 171 or the Inclusive Education for Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) Act introduced by Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, and to strengthen partnership and collaboration in advocating and lobbying the said bill.

DSWD-NCR Assistant Regional Director for Operations Ms. Edna J. Sacedor and Protective Services Division Chief Ms. Glenda M. Derla shared information regarding the cases of children with special needs and as to why the Philippine legislators need to take said children’ concerns and situations into consideration. “It is also important to take good care of the young people with special needs because they are not different to the normal ones when it comes to their right to study and have a better living,” Ms. Sacedor said.

Further, Mr. Mauro Paris Garret, Planning Officer III of DSWD’s Legislative Liaison, shared on an interview with PTV 4 that Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) need the right equipment and facilities to cater to their specific needs. He also emphasized that teachers, parents, and guardians of the CYSN will also benefit from the said proposed bill. “For parents and guardians bibigyan sila ng appropriate training to actually handle CYSN, para atleast through their own home sila na ‘yong bahala magpalaki ng maayos sa mga anak nila para maipasa ito ng tama sa mga teachers and pag nabigyan na rin po ng training ‘yong mga teachers sila na rin ‘yong tatayong pangalawang magulang para sa mga CYSN.” Mr. Garret expressed. ###