Philippines is the first nation in Asia Pacific to become an official member of the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, which advances inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport and education.
The collaboration of Special Olympics Pilipinas with the Department of Education (DepED) of the Philippines will work together to further promote the inclusive education platform by involving at least 50,000 students from all levels including pre-school, elementary, junior high school and senior high school through Unified Sports® (where individuals with and without intellectual disabilities play sports together), in 500 schools. Moreover, at least 2,000 teachers will undergo special training to effectively put inclusive practices into school action.
The collaboration is in line and reinforces the Philippines government's continued effort to advance inclusive education through different policies and programs.
For example, the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 and the National Education (EFA) Plan advocated for the expansion of special education classes in the regular elementary and secondary schools, special education support and the integration of learners with disabilities into regular classes already established. The Philippine Republic Act No. 11650 also ingrained the pledge to advocate inclusive education and guarantee that no individual with disability is denied access to inclusive, equitable, and quality education.
Present at today's signing ceremony held at the Philippine School for the Deaf were DepED Secretary of Education Sonny Angara, Special Olympics Asia Pacific President & Managing Director Dipak Natali, and Special Olympics Pilipinas Chairperson and National President, Akiko Thomson-Guevara. Attending the historic ceremony with them were ambassadors, government representatives, and other special guests.
Secretary of Education Sonny Angara added: "The Philippines is proud to be the first nation in Asia Pacific to join the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. It's a declaration that re-affirms our interest and commitment in inclusive education and sports, such that every Filipino child, whoever he or she is, may have the opportunity to learn, develop, and thrive in an more just and equal society".
Akiko Thomson-Guevarra stated that the purpose of the MOU is to leave no one behind. "The intention of this is to provide them with the ability to acquire physical fitness, show courage, enjoy themselves and share gifts, abilities and friendship with their families, teammates and community". She continued to state that they hope what they do will open hearts and minds to individuals with intellectual disabilities, making them a part of an inclusive global community.
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation-backed Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion is a multilateral mechanism that closely collaborates with governments, global philanthropy and the private sector to promote greater reach and effect of inclusive education through sport across the globe. They include the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Lions Clubs International Foundation, Fondation Botnar, and fashion brand H&M.
As the Philippines becomes part of the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, the number of countries involved now stands at 21. The members of the Coalition cut across a broad geographic reach and encompass Angola, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kosovo, Malta, Mongolia, Montenegro, Panama, Paraguay, the Philippines,
Seychelles, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Philippines was the initial nation to join the Global Coalition after Special Olympics vowed to have 20 more new member states in its ranks during the Global Disability Summit held in Berlin this month.
