The summit was held immediately 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.

Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Valenzuela Special Education Center, the Inclusive 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. Panel discussions focused on inclusive employment, health insurance provisions, and national government services supporting inclusivity, providing parents and stakeholders with vital information and direct access to service providers.

In his message, Mayor WES emphasized that inclusivity remains a core value of the city’s governance, noting that progress should be measured by how well every Valenzuelano is included in development. “Ang tunay na progresibong lungsod ay ‘yung walang iniiwan. Sa Valenzuela, malinaw ang ating paninindigan - bawat bata ay may kakayahan, may pangarap, at may lugar sa ating lungsod."

The Mayor highlighted 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.

Mayor WES also underscored that 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.

The Inclusive Summit featured speakers and panelists from PhilHealth, the Valenzuela Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the Department of Health, the Valenzuela City Nutrition Office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection–Valenzuela, among others, who discussed available programs and services for persons with disabilities and their families.

The City Government of Valenzuela remains committed to building a community where respect, understanding, and care are practiced daily, ensuring that every Pamilyang Valenzuelano, regardless of ability, has dignity, opportunity, and a hopeful future.

###