A resource center for learners with disabilities will soon rise at the Bangui Central Elementary School in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

In an interview on Monday, Markelvin Guzman, monitoring supervisor in charge of the Bangui-Dumalneg District of the Department of Education in Ilocos Norte, described the soon-to-be-constructed Inclusive Learning Resource Center (ILRC) as a “sanctuary of learning, growth, and acceptance.”

“This center will become a safe, nurturing, and empowering space for learners with special educational needs where they will not only learn, but shine,” he said.

Guzman said learners with disabilities shall be given the opportunity to learn together with their peers in a child-friendly and inclusive general education classroom while they receive care, rehabilitation and additional learning support from the ILRC.

As a counterpart to the project, Bangui Mayor Denton Garvida vowed to shoulder the salary of a local school board teacher as well as classroom rehabilitation inclusive of tools and equipment.

The ILRC is expected to provide the necessary support services to all types of marginalized and disadvantaged learners, which are important in carrying out DepEd’s various activities and programs in improving access to and quality of education.

The establishment of the ILRC is pursuant to Republic Act No. 10533, or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, a law that makes education learner-oriented and responsive to the needs, cognitive and cultural capacity, and circumstances and diversity of learners.

“Together, this partnership of the local government unit of Bangui and the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte is not just building inclusive learning resource center but a legacy. A legacy where diverse abilities are welcomed, supported, and celebrated. And I can say, it speaks of inclusion, compassion, and hope,” Guzman said. (PNA)