THE LEGAL BASIS (1935)

Articles 356 and 259 of Commonwealth Act no. 3203

“The right of every child to live in an atmosphere conducive to his physical, moral, and
intellectual development”

“To promote the full growth of the faculties of every child”

Republic Act no. 3562 (June 21 1963)

“An act to promote the education of the blind in the Philippines.”

“Formal training of special education teachers of blind children at the Philippine National
School for the Blind (PNSB)

Republic Act No. 5250 (1968)

“An act establishing a 10-year teacher training program for teachers of special and
exceptional children”

(Philippine Normal College and the University of the Philippines)

Philippines Constitution 1973

[Section 8, Article XV]

“A complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the goals of

national development”

- Universality of/equal educational opportunities and the education of every citizen,

especially the inclusion of exceptional children and youth.

Presidential decree number 603 (1975) A.K.A Child and Youth Welfare Code

[Article 3]

On the rights of the child provides among others that the emotionally disturbed or socially
maladjusted child shall be treated with sympathy and understanding and shall be given the
education and care required by his particular condition equally important.
[Article 74]

- Creation of special classes in every province and if possible special schools for the
physically handicapped, the mentally retarded, the emotionally disturbed, and the
mentally gifted.
- The private sector shall be given all the necessary inducement and encouragement.

Presidential Decree No. 1509 (1978)

- National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons (NCCDP) was renamed as

National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP)

Education Act of 1982 / Batas Pambansa Blg. 222

“The state shall promote the right of every individual to relevant quality education
regardless of sex, age, breed, socioeconomic status, physical and mental condition,
social/ethnic origin, political, and other affiliations.”

- The state shall therefore promote and maintain equality of access to education as
well as enjoyment of the benefits of education by all its citizens.

[Section 24 - Special Education Service]

“The state further recognizes its responsibility to provide, within the context of the formal
education system services to meet special needs of certain clientele.

- Special education of persons who are physically, mentally, emotionally, socially,

culturally different from the so-called normal individuals, that they require
modification of school practices or services to develop to their maximum capacity.

Batas Pambansa 1983 Blg. 344

“The accessibility law, An act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons.”

- Requires cars ,buildings, institutions, establishments, and public utilities to install

facilities and other devices for persons with disabilities.
Constitution of the Philippines 1987

[Article XIV]

“The rights of exceptional children to education”

[Section 1]

- The state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all
levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

[Section 2]

- “State shall provide adult citizens the disabled and out-of-school youth with training
in civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills.

Republic Act No. 6759 (1989, August 1)

- The law declared August 1st of each year as white cane safety day in the Philippines
- Blind persons use the cane in traveling

Republic Act No. 7610 (1992)

- An act providing for strong deterrence and special protection against child abuse,
exploitation, and discrimination providing penalties for its violation and other
purposes.

Presidential Proclamation No. 361

- National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Celebration (3rd week of July)
- Culminate on the birth date of the sublime paralytic Apolinario Mabini.

Republic Act No. 9288 (2004) A.K.A The Newborn Screening Act of 2004

- A retarded child could have been normal, a drop of blood can save the baby from
mental retardation and death.
- It is given to the child 24 hours after birth
- If the test is given too late, the baby can either die or eventually be severely retarded