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Notes and Terms
For communities and advocates, a more person-centred term is preferred, but for the Philippines education sector, ‘special education’ is the term currently being used. However, following passage of the Law for Inclusive Education in March, there may soon be a change in terminologies. The law mandates that Special Education Centres become Inclusive Learning Resource Centres, for example.
kuya: older brother
neurodivergent: people whose brains function differently from what is considered normal or standard, such as people living with autism or ADHD
neurotypical: person with no developmental issues
self-regulation: when a person can manage their emotions on their own and keep inappropriate behaviour in check
sound sensitivities: aversion to loud or sudden noises
Schools in the Philippines are classified as either public or private. Public schools are government-funded and are free to attend, while private schools are privately owned and enrollees pay tuition.
Some interview dialogues have been edited for length and clarity.
References
“OPEN Talk 11: Remote Learning Para Sa SPED at Katutubo, Paano Nga Ba?” University of the Philippines Open University, 30 July 2021.
Rotas and Cahapay, “Difficulties in Remote Learning: Voices of Philippine University Students in the Wake of COVID-19 Crisis.” Asian Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 15, Issue 2, 2020.
Page 3, panel 1 is based on the experiences of a 6-year-old student in Bohol province who has to walk 600 metres from his house to a hilltop to get decent mobile internet signals.
Page 4, panel 2 shows a group of schoolchildren helping each other answer printed modules provided by the Department of Education.
Resources
For families in the Philippines seeking help, below is a list of developmental paediatric institutions that offer free consultations.
- OMMC Pediatrics – Pedia Ko Health & Wellness
- PGH Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
- Philippine Children’s Medical Center
Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics Section
*Consultations are free provided patient has a guarantee letter from social services or their local government unit. +632-8588-9900 loc. 325, 307.