Twenty-year-old Armando Sanchez, a learner with a disability, was among those who personally received the key to the Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and the Department of Education (DepEd) central office.

While on the stage, he proudly and smartly stood among the DepEd officials to receive the key which symbolizes the opening of the center.

When he was asked how he felt, he glanced at his mother for assistance on what he was going to say, and upon seeing the nod and smile of his mother, Armando said, “Gusto kong mag-aral (I want to study)” and he gave his beautiful smile. 

What would be more inspiring than fulfilling the dreams of the learners with disabilities for a full and happy life with adequate, equitable, and appropriate support mechanisms and accommodations through the establishment of the first ILRC at the heart of the province.

The facility, located at Cabarroguis Central School-Integrated SPED Center (CCSISC) is also the first SPED Center converted into an ILRC in the country. 

It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as a fitness room, computer room, cookery, and e-library, among others.

It was inaugurated and turned over to the DepEd, Schools Division of Quirino by DepEd Central Office officials in the presence of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who authored the bill that became Republic Act 11650 which instituted a policy of inclusion and services to learners with disabilities in support of Inclusive Education Act.

Gatchalian, in his message, said no learners with a disability should be left behind, they should be accorded the opportunity to explore their greatest potential and become independent and self-reliant. 

During the inauguration and turnover of the said facility, Schools Division Superintendent Madelyn Macalling thanked Gatchalian for sponsoring the Inclusive Education of Learners with Disabilities law for the learners, for allocating funds for its establishment, and for his presence for the turnover. 

“On behalf of the 49,953 learners and more than 3,000 teaching and non-teaching personnel of SDO Quirino, thank you so much, Sir for always leading innovations and breakthroughs for the DepEd,” Macalling said as she assured that all the learners will be empowered.

Macalling likewise thanked Gov. Dax Cua, Rep. Midy Cua, former governor, and now PCSO chairperson Junie Cua for always giving their special education fund, general fund, and even their personal funds for the benefit of the learners and the school.

For his part, Public Schools District Supervisor Sebastian Ignacio shared that the ILRC was initiated while the province and the whole country were still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2021 and through the constant guidance, encouragement, and inspiration from the DepEd regional office through Regional Director Benjamin Paragas, they were able to hurdle the many challenges they met as they prepare the needed documents for the conversion of CCSISC into ILRC for learners with disabilities.

Now, the ILRC is already benefiting the 103 self-contained LWDs and the 80 under inclusion in the regular classes of Cabarroguis Central School. It is being managed by the school principal, Marilyn A. Sisalbo, ILRC coordinator Ma. Theresa Cadiente with the help of the teachers.

ILRC coordinator Cadiente said they would be very happy to welcome all the LWDs in the province to avail the services of the center. (TCB/PIA-2, QUIRINO)