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      A learning handicapped student of the Special Education (SPED) Center at Tagbilaran City Central Elementary School brought honors not only for the Province of Bohol, but the whole country; when he represented the Philippines in the Track & Field Event of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China.

      Jesus Verano Pacaldo of Junction, Bool this city together with his coach and trainer Mr. Frank P. Echalico, a teacher of Manga National High School, were in Shanghai, China on October 2 to 11, this year. There Jess showed his mettle by besting participants coming from one hundred and sixty (160) other countries.

      According to his (SPED) teacher Ms. Consuelo L. Arreza and (SPED) principal Ms Rhodora I Tadena, Jess has the body of a man of 20, with a mental level of a 7 year old boy. Nowadays, this mental handicap is not referred to as a disability or retardation as these terms create a negative impression and which may affect the performance of these special children. They are instead given mental level grades designated as gemstones, Jess is an Emerald level student.

      Sports has been an anchor in the education of special children such as Jess. This has given them pride and a sense of achievements. SPED students who have progressed are given a chance at a normal life, Jess has started his mainstream studies now as a Grade II pupil, this is a part of the integration process with the hope that, special children like Jess might finally be able to function effectively as an ordinary person in mainstream society.

      Jess and his Coach’s trip to China was made possible by the assistance of the Vice Governor Julius Caesar F. Herrera through the intercession of BM Ae Damalerio.

--press release

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