QUEZON CITY, September 27, 2019 – The Department of Education (DepEd) and its partners – the Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – launched the Gabay Project last September 12 in Cubao.

The Gabay Project aims to increase access to quality education of children with sensory impairment for the attainment of improved education and literacy outcomes through early detection, instruction, and support for the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind children.

Samuel Soliven, OIC Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) Director III, said in his message that these children and those with multiple disabilities deserve kindness, love, and guidance in pursuit of their dreams. He emphasized that DepEd is one with USAID Gabay Project and all stakeholders on the implementation of inclusive education. He further highlighted that SDG 4 ensures inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong opportunities for all.

The project likewise aims to build on past experiences by employing universal design strategies and working closely with DepEd; Disabled Peoples’ Organization (DPO); local government units (LGU); Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC); Innovation in Inclusive Education for Children with Sensorial Disabilities (i-SEND); and a network of agencies composed of Better Hearing Philippines (BHP), Deaf-blind Support of the Philippines (DBSP), and Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO).

The beneficiaries of the three-year project are Batangas City, Batangas province, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon province, Maasin City, and Southern Leyte.

Also present in the event were RBI Board Chairman Goodwill Mercado-Lansang, RBI Executive Director Amy Mojica, USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II, and USAID Philippines Disability Inclusive Education Coordinator Joshua Josa.

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