Research Activities
Research Projects 2026
Policy Recommendations for Strengthening the Implementation and Effectiveness of Disability Legislation in the Philippines
Outline
Since the political transition of 1987, the Philippines has experienced seven successive administrations. Despite persistent challenges, including corruption and episodes of strongman politics, the country’s democratization process has gradually advanced. This trajectory was marked by the enactment of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act No. 7277) in 1992. The subsequent ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which has significantly reshaped global disability governance, further accelerated the development and institutionalization of disability-related legislation.These reforms have led to notable progress, including the establishment of disability benefits and preferential measures, the strengthening of inclusive education systems, and the legislative provision for the automatic enrollment of persons with disabilities in the National Health Insurance Program. Nevertheless, substantial challenges remain in ensuring effective implementation, particularly with regard to administrative capacity within the executive branch and coordination between central and local governments. Addressing these challenges not only contributes to improving educational and employment opportunities and working conditions for persons with disabilities in Philippine society, but also holds significant importance for Japanese companies currently operating in the Philippines—as well as those planning future entry—from the standpoint of ensuring the sustainable stability of their business operations through legal compliance.
To address these issues, this project proposes organizing international seminars that will foster sustained academic and policy dialogue. The seminars will bring together Japanese scholars in disability and development studies and Philippine experts in disability law, alongside policymakers. Its primary aim is to share social science and policy science methodologies for approaching disability issues and to present viable pathways for addressing challenges. Through comparative exchange between Japan and the Philippines, the project seeks to generate new perspectives on development challenges through the lens of disability policy and to contribute to promoting an inclusive Japan-Philippines economic partnership that fully incorporate persons with disabilities.
Period
April 2026 - March 2027
Members
| Role | Member |
|---|---|
| [ Organizer ] | Mori, Soya |
| [ Co-researcher ] | Kobayashi, Masayuki |
| [ Co-researcher ] | Chato Olivas(De La Salle University) |
| [ Co-researcher ] | Glenda Litong(University of the Philippines) |
*Affiliations are as of April 2026.
Expected Outcome
- Seminar, Policy Brief