PASIG CITY, February 12, 2017 – The Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with other government and non-government organizations, is observing the 2017 National Intellectual Disability Week from February 14 to 20 with the theme ‘Karapatan at Pantay-Pantay na Pagkakataon Para sa sa Lahat’.

In this year’s observance, the DepEd encourages all schools, especially those offering SPED programs, to conduct school-based activities.

Other suggested activities are the following: school visits for children and youth with intellectual activities; holding cultural shows, sports fest, photo and work exhibits, advocacy campaign in radio and television featuring the talents and potentials of special children; discussion of effective practices to better improve their inclusion in the school and community; and organizing day camp for them to explore and learn.

The ‘Annual Camp Pag-ibig’

The DepEd National Capital Region, in coordination with the Quezon City Government, will sponsor the ‘Annual Camp Pag-ibig’ at the Balara Filter Plant in Quezon City on February 19 for the benefit of children with special needs and teachers enrolled in SPED courses. School administrators and supervisors are also encouraged to join.

Other sponsors of the activity are the Jaycees Capitol Inc.–Quezon City, Manila Water, and the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS).

The DepEd is encouraging other regions to conduct similar activities to highlight the occasion.

The celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1385, s. 1975 entitled Designating the Period from February 14 to 20, 1975, and Ever Year Thereafter, as “Retarded Children’s Week.” The DepEd Memorandum No. 15 s. 2017, or the 2017 National Intellectual Disability Week, is available at http://www.deped.gov.ph/memos/dm-15-s-2017.