#TeamVCS Chief Creative Officer Amrei Dizon and Managing Partner TJ Joson with the students, teachers, and parents of Matatalaib Bato Elementary School’s SNEd

On February 14, while most people celebrated love with flowers and chocolates, Vitalstrats Creative Solutions (VCS) showed theirs differently—through action. As part of Intellectual Disability Week, #TeamVCS Chief Creative Officer Amrei Dizon and Managing Partner TJ Joson spent a day at the Matatalaib Bato Elementary School’s Special Needs Education (SNEd) classroom. They brought supplies, listened to teachers and parents, and saw firsthand the challenges of special education in the Philippines.

#TeamVCS Chief Creative Officer Amrei Dizon and Managing Partner TJ Joson in front of the Matatalaib Bato Elementary School’s SNEd Classroom

The Reality of Special Needs Education in the Philippines

Across the country, special needs education remains an afterthought, despite the growing number of children who require it. While inclusive education is mandated by law, its implementation lags far behind.

According to PhilHealth, 5.1 million—or 1 in 7—Filipino children live with disabilities, yet special education (SPED) remains severely underfunded and underserved. While 13,408 schools across the country offer some form of SPED programs, only a limited number are fully equipped SPED Centers. The country relies on just 4,000 SPED teachers, an alarming gap given the demand for specialized education.

At Matatalaib Bato Elementary School, SNEd teachers work with whatever they can gather. Government funding is scarce, leaving teachers and parents to cover the cost of learning materials, classroom improvements, and even basic necessities like chairs and tables.

Teachers’ Struggles

SNEd teachers juggle multiple roles: educators, caregivers, and advocates. Many even fund their own classrooms while working without stable positions or fair salaries.

Head Teacher Chelsea Mae M. Yumul shared: “And here in the room, itong mesa na ginagamit ngayon, mesa namin sa bahay ‘to. Dinala ko dito. Yung electric fan po dito, yung isa galing sa akin, yung isa galing sa isang parent. The cabinets, hiningi namin yan sa mga teachers na sobra na yung cabinets sa room. Parang naging bahay na namin ‘to. And sa amin, no regrets. Pero kahit pala we give a lot, it’s still not enough.”

Teacher Mila Ann A. Apilado spoke about the daily challenge of inadequate materials: “Yung mga materials ko po, minsan kulang. So, gumagawa na lang po ako ng mga alternative way para meron po ako magawa. Isa sa mga kulang po namin is mga sensory materials. Yun po kasi yun sa mga needs ng mga learners ko po.”

Beyond financial struggles, teachers face the challenge of an education system that is not fully prepared for inclusive learning. Teacher Ronald de la Peña explained:

“Aside from the struggles namin, meron pa ring social stigma. We really need an intensive information dissemination. In particular, yung sa Republic Act 11650. Ang target kasi ng DepEd is technically, dapat nasa loob sila ng regular class. But because of siguro sa trainings, education, teacher are more laid back. Kasi wala silang strategies or they have a hard time managing it.”

Parents’ Sacrifices

For parents, every school year is a fight to secure even the most basic education for their children. Therapy and specialized learning tools are expensive, leaving them dependent on an already struggling public school system.

Jessie Vi M. Joson, MBES SNEd - Parent Group President expressed her hope for a more accessible system: “Sana mas dumami pa yung mag-advocate, maging open pa. Ang gusto ko talagang mangyari is that dumating yung time na hindi na nahihirapan yung mga parents na katulad ko na pag i-enroll nila yung anak nila, hindi hihingan lang kung ano-ano. Yung open lang, yung sige, dalhin mo yung anak mo dito. Gawan natin ang paraan. Kung baga, tanggap agad.”

She also highlighted the role of government support: “Apart from advocating, malaking part din, syempre, yung gobyerno. Kapag nababanggit sa akin ng mga teachers na, ma'am, kasi sa ngayon, nag-aantay pa ng approval from DepEd, or from whichever department man. Sana magkaroon ng time na, oh, itong budget na ito for special education. Para hindi na tayo nahihirapan, para yung mga teachers natin ganado na magturo. Para wala silang problema.”

Impact on Students

Without proper support, children with disabilities risk being left behind. Simple tools like sensory-friendly materials and assistive devices could make a huge difference, but most public schools don’t have access to them.

Head Teacher Chelsea Mae M. Yumul explained the long-term consequences: "Many of our students don’t receive regular assessments. Some don’t get the therapy they need because their families simply can’t afford it. The lack of resources limits what we can do."

Despite the challenges, teachers and parents continue to push forward, doing whatever they can to give these children a fair chance at education. But dedication alone isn’t enough—there needs to be proper funding, long-term support, and real policy reforms.

VCS’s Immersion: Advocacy in Action

VCS’ TJ Joson and Amrei Dizon presented with certificates of appreciation from the teachers and principal of Matatalaib Bato Elementary School

With a commitment to meaningful engagement, VCS stepped in as active partners in advocacy. Through its immersion program, the team aimed to:

Provide essential classroom materials and educational tools.
Listen to teachers and parents, gaining a deeper understanding of their daily challenges.
Use creative storytelling to bring attention to the realities of special needs education and push for systemic change.

Students from the SNEd classroom sharing Valentine’s Day treats with VCS’ TJ and Amrei

Spending time at Matatalaib Bato Elementary School highlighted the dedication and resilience of the school’s community. Teachers shared how they often use their own resources to fill the gaps left by insufficient funding. Students, when given the right environment, showed enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, proving the impact of inclusive education. The strong collaboration between parents and teachers was evident, as both worked tirelessly to provide what the system could not.

Bridging the Gap: The Role of Businesses & Organizations in Inclusive Education

From left to right: Jessie Vi M. Joson - Parent Group (SNEd Program) - President, Ms. Claudette M. Macabulos - EdD-Principal IV, TJ Joson - VCS Managing Partner, Amrei Dizon - VCS Chief Creative Officer, Mila Ann A. Apilado - Teacher I, Chelsea Mae M. Yumul - Head Teacher I and Ronald Dela Pena- Teacher III

Schools can’t do it alone. A truly inclusive education system requires businesses, organizations, and individuals to step in and help ensure that every child—regardless of ability—gets the education they deserve.

What Businesses Can Do

Support Special Education Programs – Provide classroom materials, sponsor therapy sessions, or offer financial aid to SNEd schools.
Advocate for Policy Change – Use platforms to push for better funding and policies for special education.
Promote Workplace Inclusivity – Hire neurodiverse individuals and create inclusive work environments.

VCS’s participation at Matatalaib Bato Elementary School reflects how businesses can play a role in supporting inclusive education. However, lasting change requires more organizations to step in, work alongside educators and parents, and push for better resources and policies.

Inclusive Education Starts With Us

As we left Matatalaib Bato Elementary School that day, the theme of their Intellectual Disability Week, “Ang Inklusiyon ay Pag-ibig” (Inclusion is Love), stayed with us. It was a reminder that true inclusion is rooted in compassion, commitment, and action.

We left with stories, but also with a responsibility. The fight for inclusive education doesn’t end with one immersion, one donation, or one article. Real change happens when more people listen, raise their voices, and take steps toward progress.

Parent Jessie Joson captured this hope perfectly: “They may be different, but they are not less. Siguro ngayon hindi nila kayang gawin yung mga kayang gawin ng mga kasing edad nila pero eventually there will come a time na magugulat na lang tayo na oh, kaya naman pala.”

You can be part of this movement:

Share this story to spread awareness.
Tag policymakers & organizations to advocate for better policies.
Support special education through donations or community involvement.

When it comes to education, inclusion shouldn’t be a privilege because it is a right. And it’s up to all of us to make sure that right is upheld.

WATCH: How VCS is Supporting Inclusive Education at Matatalaib Bato Elementary School

Inclusive Education in Action: VCS’s Immersion at Matatalaib Bato Elementary School

The Reality of Special Needs Education in the Philippines

VCS’s Immersion: Advocacy in Action

Bridging the Gap: The Role of Businesses & Organizations in Inclusive Education

Inclusive Education Starts With Us