Protecting learners with disabilities
The passage of Republic Act (RA) 111650, or an Act Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education, will ensure that learners with disabilities will gain equal access to education and opportunities.
For a time, learners with disabilities have been discriminated against in schools and similar establishments.
Now, the establishment of an inclusive Learning Resource Center in all cities and municipalities is mandatory and is supported by the Commission on Human Rights.
RA 11650 explicitly directs the Department of Education to issue policies and guidelines to protect learners with disabilities against neglect, abuse, cruelty or exploitation, bullying and discrimination.
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The Department of Trade and Industry, headed by Secretary Ramon N. Lopez, is at the forefront of exploring ways to allow fast internet service in the country.
He recently forged an agreement with Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) to make the country the first in Southeast Asia to host a fast broadband facility via satellite.
Per published statement, the planned establishment of SpaceX would provide internet services in the Philippines using its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network constellation called Starlink.
The constellation consists of new 1,600 satellites in mid-2021 and will eventually comprise thousands more mass produced small satellites in LEO, which communicate with designated ground transmissions.
The launch of SpaceX/Starlink in the country would enable a much faster broadband speed, better connectivity, more capacity for telecommunications services and more affordable rates.
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Local internet provider Converge ICT Solutions, owned and operated by Dennis Anthony Uy, has similar features, including the rates.
It also gives faster internet services due to its fiber-optic connections.
The entry of SpaceX/Starlink in the country is a wake-up call for Smart, Globe, Dito and PLDT to keep on improving their services; otherwise, they will be eventually eased out of the market and the telecommunications industry.