Courtesy: Office of Rep. Kenneth Gatchalian
IN observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Representative Kenneth T. Gatchalian delivered a privilege speech during the House plenary session reaffirming his strong commitment to strengthen the rights and welfare of Neurodivergent Filipinos and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs).
Gatchalian underscored the widening gap between the needs of families and the current capacity of both local and national government.
“Our policies, services, programs, and infrastructures have not caught up with the realities families now face,” Gatchalian said.
Citing WHO data indicating 1.3 billion people worldwide and 2.47 million Filipinos living with disabilities, Rep. Kenneth Gatchalian emphasized the current government programs that remain inadequate and failed to support, particularly for those individuals aged beyond twenty-five. He shared that in conversations with parents, one heartbreaking question is repeatedly asked: “What happens after they reach twenty-five years old?” He stressed that despite the growing needs of families, the country’s current system still provides no clear or reassuring answer.
“And as a parent of child with Intellectual and Developmental needs, I carry the same question everyday: kapag nauna kami, anong mangyayari sa anak namin?” the Congressman said.
From day one in Congress, Gatchalian has championed multiple legislative measures focused on raising the quality of life of persons with disabilities:
House Bill 167 “Establishing sensory rooms in public facilities”
House Bill 4874 “Instituting the National Neurodevelopmental Care Act”
House Bill 4875 “Creating a Disability Support Allowance for Persons with Disabilities”
House Bill 5373 “Strengthening the practice of physical therapy through the Philippine Physical Therapy Law”
House Bill 5374 “Providing special leave benefits for parents and guardians of children with disabilities”
Right after his privilege speech, Rep. Gatchalian, filed yet another bill, House Bill 6727 “An Act upgrading the salary grades of Health and Allied Medical Service Professionals,” with the aim to empower not just the welfare of the individuals and families with special needs but as well as the professionals that offer quality of medical service and support.
Representative Gatchalian further emphasizes the essential needs and factors that need to prioritize to be able to deliver the quality support for individuals and families with special needs:
Enhanced Support Services
Stronger Social Protection
National Neurodevelopmental Care Plan
Livelihood Opportunities
Workforce Strengthening
A proud Valenzuelano, he also showcased the Valenzuela Special Education Center (ValSPED) that has transformed lives and produced the success and inspiring stories of Rouelle, Jana, and Rafael. “These stories prove that with proper support, individuals with IDDs don’t just get by—they excel,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian further urged his colleagues to support measures expanding lifelong care and ensuring no Filipino family faces developmental disability challenges alone. “We must act now, so every child, regardless of ability, is empowered from childhood to adulthood,” he emphasized.
During the Interpellation, Rep Eli San Fernando of Kamanggagawa Partylist expressed his support and raised questions regarding the welfare of the minimum wage earners and workers who also serve as caregivers to family members with IDDs . To which, Gatchalian responded, “It is the Congress’ responsibility to legislate measures that will create a commission specifically looking after People with neurodivergence. We will also make sure that workers are taken care of by filing bills increasing salaries of the medical allied professionals dedicating service for the PWDs.”
With the continuous efforts of Rep. Kenneth Gatchalian and the House of Representatives, the people and families can be assured that their needs are heard and acted upon. He lives by his strong commitment to give the individuals and families a quality of life and support they need, for he does not just stand as a Congressman but as a fellow parent — a father.
