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The year 2019 will be remembered as one of the most special years for the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Benilde).
In August of that year, the Benildean for All Framework (BAF) was finally signed and made into policy by the President’s Council. This marked the three-year long process of data collection, analysis, drafting and validation by CIE as well as other members of the Strategic Initiative on Inclusive Education. The BAF is a monumental document for Benildean Inclusion since it serves as the backbone of all inclusion-related efforts of the College.
CIE’s mandate was then formalized and acknowledged by the Office of the Chancellor in September. This officially expands the Center’s mandate from focusing on accommodating students with specific learning needs to working with other units in the College in ensuring Benilde is an inclusive higher institution. Though this has been the case since 2016, it was only in 2019 that this was formalized.
This was also the year where Benilde’s Inclusion Week was celebrated. CIE, in partnership with Best Buddies Benilde, as well as other units of the College held several events from November 18 to 22 to raise awareness and promote inclusion to the community. This was culminated by a concert wherein students from different programs showcased their talents.
The Center also continued with its programs and projects for inclusion. Several sensitivity training sessions were hosted by CIE through the year. In February, members of the Benilde Student Envoys had a training specifically designed for their organization; in October, students from the Arts Management Program were trained as requested by their professor; and in November, associates from the different offices were equipped with the skills needed to be inclusive.
Workshops were also hosted by CIE throughout the year. In January, CIE, in partnership with the Hub of Innovation for Inclusion and the Architecture Program held the ENGAGED: A City for All forum which focused on inclusive mass transportation in the Philippines. Are You In: Paradoxes of Inclusion was also prepared by CIE. Facilitated by Dr. Therese Bustos - one of the leading experts in inclusive education in the country, this workshop was attended by both Benildeans and Non-Benildeans.
Partnerships with other organizations flourished in 2019. In April, CIE once again partnered with the Autism Society of the Philippines to celebrate the year’s World Autism Awareness Day; and in October, CIE facilitated another workshop on inclusion for the faculty members of Divine Word Colleges-Calapan.
Without a doubt, 2019 was a great year for Benildean Inclusion. As the College celebrates its 31st year, members of the community continue to thrive to be Benildeans for All.