Senator Bam Aquino urged the government to strengthen programs and resources for children with disabilities and students with special needs, citing persistent gaps in public school support systems and limited access to services for families.

Aquino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, said he will coordinate with Senator Raffy Tulfo to craft measures addressing the shortage of facilities, funding, and specialized assistance for learners with disabilities.

It was Tulfo who earlier underscored the government's insufficient assistance to children with disabilities, special needs students, and their families.

“This issue deserves to be raised, and we will work hand-in-hand with the good senator as soon as we can reconvene our committee, pagdating sa mga children with special needs at mga estudyanteng may special needs,” Aquino said, noting that families continue to struggle with limited options in both public and private sectors.

Aquino cited findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which reported that one in five students has a disability or special concern requiring appropriate intervention.

Despite this, Aquino said current government allocations fall short of meeting actual needs.

“When we compare the budget, infrastructure, and the government’s capacity to assist children with special needs, the gap is clear. Facilities remain insufficient,” he said.

He added that many families rely solely on government services due to financial constraints, while those willing to pay for private support often find no available programs.

Aquino and Tulfo have both called for a review of existing support mechanisms and the development of targeted solutions to ensure children with disabilities can access the services and education they require.