VALENZUELA Mayor Wes Gatchalian said Tuesday that the local government has conducted the first-ever summit primarily aimed at strengthening the city’s commitment to "inclusivity" to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Held at the Valenzuela City People’s Park, the event brought together government agencies, educators, parents and advocates who all vowed support for PWDs in the city.
The summit was held after the blessing and inauguration of the Valenzuela Special Education (ValSPED) Center Extension and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Valenzuela Education Center, both located in Barangay Malinta, underscoring the city’s continued investments in inclusive and accessible education facilities, according to the city chief executive.
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Valenzuela Special Education Center, the summit served as a platform to discuss the city’s programs and projects on inclusivity, particularly in education, employment, health and access to government services, the mayor explained.
Panel discussions focused on inclusive employment, health insurance provisions, and national government services supporting inclusivity, giving parents and stakeholders vital information and direct access to service providers, the local government said.
During the summit, Gatchalian emphasized that inclusivity would remain a core value of the city’s governance, noting that progress should be measured by how well every "Valenzuelano" is included in development.
He also cited the city’s Education 360 Degree Investment Program approach, which ensures that learners with special needs are supported not only academically but also through health, nutrition and social services.
Currently, ValSPED serves 1,120 learners with disabilities, supported by a multidisciplinary team of physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists, according to the city’s Public Information Office.
“Inclusivity in Valenzuela goes beyond the classroom. Through a city ordinance promoting inclusive employment, Valenzuela has already empowered 285 persons with disabilities through wage and self-employment programs from 2018 to 2025, ensuring that PWDs are given fair opportunities to participate fully in the local workforce,” Gatchalian said.
