“Laying the Groundwork: CIE's First Academic Year in Action (2016)”

Though it was in 2015 when the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE) was established, it was not until the following year that things really took off.

Through the guidance of CIE’s Director, Dr. Catherine Deen, the foundations of the Center were built which helped its members lay the groundwork for their respective units.

Ms. Nica Mombay during the Best Buddies Kick-off Meeting

Mr. Raul Gaña headed the Learning Support Office (LSO) during his time with CIE. Even though it was cut short due to career considerations, he was able to jump-start the efforts of the Office which was then continued by Ms. Nica Mombay, the Center’s first LSO Case Manager after he left. Using her background in Educational Psychology and Guidance Counseling, the LSO flourished to what it is today. She helped in drafting the Learning Support Policy, accredited De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Benilde) as a chapter of Best Buddies Philippines, spearheaded the Passages Orientation, and polished the processes of case management of the Center.

ENGAGED Talks for Social Good

Mr. Jeremiah Adriano, on the other hand, headed the Advocacy and Research Office (ARO) of CIE. Capitalizing on his background in research and project management, he was able to establish the ARO as an integral part of the Center. Focusing on the advocacy aspect of the work, he was able to assist in drafting the Learning Support Policy and the Inclusion Research Agenda. Several events were also managed by him in partnership with both internal and external entities such as the Beyond the Shake: Champions for Epilepsy Symposium, Special Education Network in Asia Manila National Conference, Turning Disability to This Ability: 2016 ADHD National Conference, Engaged Talks on Social Good, and Break the Barriers event. Though primarily focusing on advocacy work, he was able to draft several research proposals which may be used by the Center moving forward.

Behind all these projects was Ms. Lany Jove, the Operations Assistant of CIE. With her skills in administration and organization, as well as her fluency in Filipino Sign Language, she was able to connect to the different units of Benilde and ensured that all the efforts of CIE are accomplished without any complications.

L-R: Dr. Catherine Deen, Ms. Lany Jove, Mr. Jeremiah Adriano, and Ms. Nica Mombay

CIE’s first year was one of the Center’s busiest. Though limited in manpower, the members of CIE were able to lay the groundwork which proved to be instrumental for the success of CIE in the coming years.