They could not hear the applause, but they felt every bit of the pride. Graduating students with hearing impairments from the City College of Angeles (CCA) marched to receive their degrees this May, proving that disabilities are not roadblocks to success. The momentous occasion was filled with gratitude as the fresh graduates thanked local officials of Pampanga and Angeles City for championing inclusive education.
A Victory for Inclusive Education in Pampanga
The success of these graduates is not an isolated event but part of a larger movement within the province to strengthen Special Needs Education (SNED). The Department of Education in Pampanga has been actively training specialized teachers, with 36 new SPED educators recently undergoing a three-day training on inclusivity, individualized education plans, and basic sign language . Currently, the Schools Division Office of DepEd Pampanga has 74 SPED teachers catering to learners with special needs .
Beyond the classroom, local lawmakers are pushing for systemic change. Representative Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin Jr. of Pampanga's 1st District filed House Bill No. 8310, which seeks to establish Specialized Inclusive Education Service Units in all cities and municipalities for learners who are deaf, blind, or have speech impairments . This legislative push aims to close implementation gaps in the "Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities Act" signed in 2022.
Local Government Support That Changes Lives
The graduates expressed deep appreciation for the sustained educational and financial assistance from the Angeles City government. Mayor Carmelo "Jon" Lazatin II has continued his family's legacy of prioritizing education, ensuring that no Angeleño is left behind . In 2022, the city completed a four-storey building at CCA with 20 classrooms using a ₱50 million donation from PAGCOR , allowing the college to accommodate more scholars .
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda has also placed inclusive development at the heart of her 2026 agenda. Her administration is working to institutionalize dedicated care centers for individuals with autism and establish Youth Care Centers for mental health support . With local leaders actively removing barriers, more learners with disabilities can now envision a future that includes college diplomas and meaningful careers.
