House OKs bills establishing centers for gifted kids, disabled children

The House of Representatives has approved two measures seeking to establish local centers for children with disabilities and children in need of special education (SPED). A total of 197 lawmakers voted to pass House Bills 6547 and 6509 on Thursday night, before the lower chamber went on a two-week break. House Bill 6547 provides for the establishment of a SPED center for each school division in the country to serve as a resource and support center for children who are mentally gifted, mentally retarded or those with autism. The measure requires the Department of Education to provide these centers with SPED teachers, social workers and an educational psychologist. House Bill 6509 requires each city and municipality to have a rehabilitation center for children and youth with disabilities. Under the proposed legislation, these rehabilitation centers shall provide them with physical therapy, regular counseling and self-development training. Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, vice-chairperson of the House committee on children’s welfare, welcomed the passage of these measures, saying they will help in the development of the country’s youth. “These two bills underscore how important it is for government to help guarantee a better future for young PWDs who are often denied access to good education and physical rehabilitation,” she said in a statement on Sunday. — BM, GMA News