MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) has set its plan of action that will target milestones in basic education, not leaving the quality of education for children with disabilities behind.

Through DepEd Memorandum No. 9, series of 2011, Education Secretary Armin Luistro encouraged all public and private schools with program for Children with Autism (CWA) and Special Education (SPED) Centers to undertake activities in line with the 15th National Autism Consciousness Week.

With theme, “Autismo Paghandaan: Maagap na Deteksyon at Interbensyon Isakaturapan,” the celebration will run from Jan. 16 to Jan. 23 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 711 dated Jan. 4, 1996.

“The week-long celebration aims to generate awareness on autism and to provide educational, health and social services for children with autism,” explained Luistro.

The DepEd chief said that when the Philippine government gave its commitment to meet the EFA goal by 2015, it also meant giving educational opportunities to those with disabilities. (Ina Hernando-Malipot)