At least 40 learners with special needs from five upper barangays of Bago City in Negros Occidental are the first to benefit from the Special Needs Education (SNED) Program extension at Louisiana Elementary School in Barangay Ma-ao.
Mayor Mayette Javellana, along with Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Bago officials, led by schools’ division superintendent (SDS) Neri Anne Alibuyog and assistant SDS Arlene Yap, graced the launching of the SNED Program at General Juan A. Araneta Elementary School Ma-ao Extension at Louisiana ES covered court June 4.
In her message, Javellana said it has been a dream to be able to bring to the upper barangays the special needs education services of General Juan A. Araneta ES through an extension at Louisiana ES.
This is the first SNED Program extension to be opened outside General Juan A. Araneta ES at the city proper, particularly in Barangay Poblacion, the city said in a press release.
The SNED Program aims to provide quality, accessible, and learner-centered education for children with diverse learning needs, ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
This is aligned with the DepEd’s goal of providing appropriate education support and inclusive learning opportunities for learners with disabilities.
“The launching of the Special Needs Education class (in Louisiana Elementary School) is a promise, a promise that here in Bago City and in all our schools here, no child will ever be left behind,” Javellana stressed.
She added that “every learner, regardless of ability or challenge, deserves to be seen, to be heard, to be given the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to dream,” as she expressed optimism to establish the first Special Education Center in Bago.
The first batch of special learners included 20 children being sheltered by non-government organization Verlanie Faith Inc. in Barangay Ma-ao, and those from barangays Bacong, Mailum, Ilijan and Binubuhan.
Louisiana ES principal Cyril Valencia, who was also present at the launching, said they believe that education is the right of every child regardless of their abilities or differences.
“Today, we turn that belief to reality. We are opening our doors wider to ensure that no child is left behind,” she added at the launching.
Alibuyog thanked Javellana for her support to the programs and projects of the DepEd-Bago. She also lauded other stakeholders, especially Louisiana ES, for their passion to provide learning opportunities for special children.
The parents also thanked the DepEd, local government, and other stakeholders for bringing the SNED program closer to their communities. “Indi na namon kinahanglan magbiyahe sang layo para ka eskwela ang amon kabataan.”
Also present during the launching were Mailum punong barangay Melchor Sayco, Bacong punong barangay Ronald Abindan, representatives, and volunteers of Verlanie Faith Inc., faculty and staff of Louisiana ES, and parents, among others. ||
