From just 10 students, the number of learners with disabilities enrolled at Mangaldan Integrated School's SPED Center has now reached nearly 130.

Most of the learners come from Mangaldan, while others travel from nearby towns to attend the school’s Special Needs Education (SNED) program, which serves children ages 5 to 25.

Among the key offerings are intervention skills, functional academics, transitional education, and livelihood training.

“Under RA 11650, ‘yung inclusive education, talagang dapat mabigyan ng edukasyon ang mga children with special needs na parang typical din silang mga bata na nag-aaral,” Joanne Matapang, SPED III ILRC Coordinator, said.

To support the increasing number of learners, the Department of Education is expanding the SNED program by opening more classrooms for school year 2025-2026 and providing therapy services such as occupational, speech, and physical therapy.

“Bawat classroom mayroong resources doon depende sa need ng isang bata,” Anthony Dotong, Assistant Principal of the SPED Center, said.

DepEd continues to urge parents of children with disabilities to enroll their children and give them a chance to learn like any other child.