In accordance with Section 17 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11650 otherwise known as Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act, the Department of Education (DepEd) is initiating the formation and establishment of the Advisory Committee for Education of Learners with Disabilities. This Advisory Committee will serve as a vital platform for collaboration among various stakeholders in the education sector, ensuring that the voices of learners with disabilities are heard and represented.
Who can apply to the Advisory Committee for Education of Learners with Disabilities?
- Any member of an organization with good standing and duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);
- Must have a proven track record or achievements in relation to the implementation of plans, programs, projects, or activities of national scope, for learners with disabilities. The CSO or Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) must be engaged in advocacies for learners with disabilities for at least five (5) years;
- Must have an institutional structure for managing its affairs clearly showing the hierarchy of offices and/or officers;
- Must not have participated in the immediate past national election as a party-list representative or must not be currently seated as a party-list representative; and
- Must be represented by a person whose participation is endorsed by a majority of their organization’s officers.
Preferential consideration shall be given to the CSO or NGO who has an audited and updated financial reports of its operations for the last three (3) years.
What are the functions of the Advisory Committee?
The Advisory Committee, which shall directly coordinate and collaborate with the Secretary, shall have the following functions:
- Represent learners with disabilities and their respective organizations, and participate in consultative meetings of the DepEd and other organizations of persons with disabilities in the formulation of policies, plans, and strategies, educational programs, rules and regulations, guidelines, or regulatory changes on the education of learners with disabilities;
- Conduct research and policy studies on inclusive education and other matters related to the education of learners with disabilities;
- Participate in crafting, amending, evaluating, or updating the roadmap referred to in Section 14 of this Act;
- Subject to compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 or the “Data Privacy Act of 2012,” gather, consolidate, or interpret relevant data on the education of learners with disabilities, and prepare the necessary report for the Secretary;
- For purposes of assessment, monitor the delivery of services for learners with disabilities as provided in this Act;
- Review existing and recommend new legislation to promote the educational welfare, and physical and psychosocial well-being of learners with disabilities; and
- Perform other similar functions as may be necessary.
What is the composition of the Advisory Committee?
The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 15 members representing various disability advocacy groups, the academe, parents’ organizations, allied medical groups, and private businesses that cater to children with disabilities.
What is the term of office of the members?
Members of the Advisory Committee shall serve a term of three (3) years, without prejudice to reappointment.
What are the application requirements?
Organizations interested in applying for membership to the Advisory Committee shall submit the following:
- A formal letter of application;
- Documentation proving registration with SEC;
- A brief description of the organization’s history and accomplishments related to learners with disabilities;
- An organizational chart; and
- An endorsement letter from the majority of the organization’s officers.
When is the deadline for submission?
All applications must be submitted through email at ra11650.secretariat@deped.gov.ph, copy furnishing bld.od@deped.gov.ph within 15 days from the publication of this advisory at the DepEd website.
Contact Information
For inquiries or further information, please contact:
Marilyn B. Siao
Director III
Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Director IV, Bureau of Learning Delivery
Email Address: bld.od@deped.gov.ph
Telephone Number: (02) 8637-4346 or 8637-4347