Gifted Child in the Philippines

Found this news at http://www.abs-cbnnews.com

Really bright kid! =)

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MANILA, Philippines - Just as other kids his age are just learning the alphabet, Drei Ticse, 3, of Angeles City in Pampanga, is already wowing everyone with his spelling skills. And he can even recite the alphabet backwards!

Drei's mother Edna said Drei's exceptional ability just manifested on its own.

"Hindi ko man lang napansin na marunong na kaagad siyang magspelling. Hindi ko naman siya tinuruan," said Edna.

Drei can already spell words like "yacht," "insect," "umbrella," and "zipper."

Aside from spelling, Drei can also form words from jumbled letters.

He has also already memorized the letters on the computer keyboard.

According to Edna, all her children are naturally smart. Drei's older siblings are honor students.

"Ang hobby ni Drei is mag-computer at magbasa ng mga libro sa department store," said Drei.

Edna planned to enrol Drei in day care, but the center did not accept Drei since he was too advanced mentally.

"Sabi ng daycare, baka maging boring na lang kay Drei yung day care kaya ipapasok ko na lang siya sa talagang school," said Edna.

Drei's talent can also be seen on YouTube.

Gifted children in the Philippines

According to the Department of Education (DepEd), there are 1.27 million gifted children in the country. (See story here).

Gifted children are special children, and they need special education as they differ from the average child based on mental characteristics.

In the 14th Congress, a bill was introduced to give due attention to the 5.49 million children with special needs (CSNs) in the country.

The Special Education Act of 2010 would have, among other things, called for the formulation of appropriate curriculum for CSNs, including gifted children.

Despite calls for its ratification, the bill, however, was not ratified before the 14th Congress held its last session in June. -- Report from Gracie Rutao, ABS-CBN News