BEYOND THE LABEL 2026
October 24, 2026 | Saturday | School of Statistics Auditorium
University of the Philippines Diliman
Recognition is only the beginning.
A diagnosis, developmental concern, learning difficulty, or educational need may help us better understand what a child or individual is experiencing. But for families, educators, and professionals, an equally important question follows: What do we do from here?
Why This Conversation Matters
A child may receive a diagnosis and still struggle to access the right intervention. A learner may be physically present in an inclusive classroom and yet remain unable to participate or learn meaningfully. A student may progress through school while reading difficulties remain unidentified or unsupported. An adolescent may become skilled at masking struggles while quietly experiencing emotional distress or difficulties with self-concept. And a young person may eventually leave school without enough preparation for independence, employment, community participation, and adult life.
These are not always separate problems. They can become gaps that accumulate over time.
Bridging the gaps across the lifespan
Beyond the Label 2026: From Diagnosis to Direction is a full-day interdisciplinary seminar bringing together perspectives from developmental medicine, special and inclusive education, literacy, psychosocial support, behavior analysis, family experience, and transition planning.
Rather than discussing these concerns in isolation, the seminar follows one connected developmental journey—from early identification and timely intervention to meaningful classroom participation, literacy, psychosocial wellbeing, transition, independence, employment, and participation in adult life.
The program was intentionally designed to connect the gaps that may emerge across the lifespan. It begins with the possible long-term impact of delayed identification and intervention, moves into the difference between school access and meaningful educational outcomes, examines literacy and reading difficulties, and continues into adolescence, wellbeing, and preparation for adulthood.
Identification
Early recognition and intervention
Participation
Meaningful educational access
Literacy
Reading and learning support
Wellbeing
Identity and psychosocial support
Adult Life
Independence and participation
The Journey Across the Lifespan
The Missed Window
Early Identification, Developmental Risk, Diagnostic Pathways & Timely Intervention
The first session examines why early recognition matters, how developmental concerns may lead to referral and assessment, and why appropriate intervention should follow identification as early as possible. The official program emphasizes the potential lifelong impact of delayed identification and intervention.
Dr. Alexis Socorro L. Reyes, MD, FPPS, FPSDBP
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician
Dr. Reyes is Chief of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at UP College of Medicine–Philippine General Hospital and Associate Professor at the UP College of Medicine. She has also served as Head/Director of the Center for Autism and Developmental Medicine at St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City.
Her areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, early childhood development, developmental and behavioral assessment, early identification and intervention, learning disabilities, developmental dyslexia, neurodevelopmental disorders, child behavior, and disability.
Included but Not Learning: The Classroom Gap
From Physical Placement to Meaningful Participation, Access & Educational Outcomes
Being inside an inclusive classroom is not automatically the same as being meaningfully included. This session examines the gap between physical placement and meaningful educational participation, including learner diversity, accommodations, differentiated support, access, and educational outcomes. The official program specifically frames this discussion around the difference between access to school and meaningful learning.
Ms. Charlene Faye Agati
Special Education & Inclusive Education Specialist
Ms. Agati brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, special education, inclusive education, teacher training, curriculum development, and school leadership. She holds a Master of Arts in Education, Major in Special Education, from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has worked extensively with learner diversity, faculty development, therapy and inclusive education programs, and partnerships with schools, LGUs, and educational organizations.
The Reading Gap
Reading Difficulties, Dyslexia, Structured Literacy & Evidence-Informed Intervention
When a learner struggles to read, simply providing more opportunities to read may not address the difficulty underneath. This session looks more closely at reading development, literacy difficulties, dyslexia, assessment, structured literacy, and appropriate intervention, helping participants better understand why different reading difficulties may require different forms of support.
Ms. Maria Cecilia Q. Jocson
Reading Specialist & Structured Literacy Educator
Ms. Jocson is a reading clinician and educator with more than 20 years of experience in literacy intervention, assessment, and teacher training. Her professional background includes work as a DepEd resource person for reading instruction, remediation, and literacy programs, Core Trainer for Basa Pilipinas, and co-author of ABCs of Reading: How to Teach Kids to Read. She holds graduate training in literacy with a dyslexia endorsement and a Structured Literacy Educator Certificate from the International Dyslexia Association.
The afternoon shifts the conversation.
From identification and learning toward family experience, identity, psychosocial wellbeing, transition, independence, and adult life.
Beyond the Diagnosis: A Vision for Life, Community & Legacy
A diagnosis affects more than one individual. It may reshape the questions, responsibilities, decisions, hopes, and long-term plans of an entire family.
This session brings a parent perspective into the professional conversation and looks beyond treatment and schooling toward family life, community, long-term support, purpose, and a vision for meaningful participation beyond diagnosis.
Atty. Salvador Reyes
The Silent Struggle: When Gaps Become Identity
Masking, Self-Concept, Psychosocial Wellbeing & Unmet Support Needs
Not every struggle is visible. When developmental, educational, emotional, or social needs remain unsupported over time, they may begin to affect how adolescents see themselves and how they function in school, relationships, family life, and their wider community.
This session examines masking, emotional distress, identity development, psychosocial support, and the impact of unmet needs. The program specifically identifies chronic masking and emotional distress among the potential effects of needs that remain undiagnosed or unsupported.
Dr. Marie Grace A. Gomez
Professor 11, UP College of Education
Dr. Gomez is a faculty member of the University of the Philippines College of Education. She holds PhDs in Education in both Special Education and Guidance from UP Diliman. Her areas of expertise include guidance and counseling, special education and disability support, psychosocial support services, career counseling and development, psychological assessment and standardized testing, and program development.
Beyond School: The Readiness Gap
Transition Planning, Adaptive Functioning, Independence, Employment & Adult Participation
Education should prepare a person not only to succeed in school, but also to participate meaningfully in life.
This session examines transition planning, adaptive functioning, practical life skills, independence, employment pathways, and community participation. The official program focuses specifically on preparing adolescents for independence, employment, and adulthood by addressing transition gaps early.
Teacher Gina Bermudo
Behavior Analyst & Autism Education Advocate
Teacher Gina has advanced training in behavior analysis, special education, autism education, and research. She is pursuing doctoral studies in Education at Pennsylvania State University and holds graduate degrees that include Curriculum and Instruction–Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education. Her credentials include BCBA, QBA, IBA, and Certified Autism Specialist.
One conversation. Different perspectives.
Beyond the Label 2026 is designed for parents and caregivers, regular and SPED teachers, school owners and administrators, early childhood educators, guidance counselors, psychologists, therapists, behavior professionals, reading specialists, developmental and medical professionals, university students in related disciplines, LGUs, parent organizations, disability advocates, and community stakeholders.
More Than an Autism Seminar
Autism is an important part of Beyond the Label, but the conference is not limited to one diagnosis.
The program addresses a wider range of concerns involving neurodevelopment, developmental delay, learning difficulties, dyslexia, literacy, special and inclusive education, early intervention, psychosocial wellbeing, adolescent development, transition planning, adaptive functioning, independence, employment, and community participation.
Meaningful inclusion cannot be reduced to one diagnosis, one classroom, or one stage of life.
Bring Your Team
Schools, universities, clinics, therapy centers, LGUs, parent organizations, companies, professional groups, and other institutions may register participants as a group.
For group registration, institutional participation, and assistance with multiple delegates, please contact Kristyn or Eunice through seminar.eslph@gmail.com.
If the 10 paid + 1 complimentary participant arrangement is already final, this can be highlighted separately on the page as your official group registration privilege.
Join Beyond the Label 2026
Registration is considered confirmed after the required registration form and payment have been completed and verified by the organizing team. Slots are subject to venue capacity and registration may close once available seats have been filled.
Registration Fee
₱1,800
- Full-day seminar admission
- Seminar kit
- Participant ID
- Networking lunch
- E-certificate
CEU & CPD Information
2 CEU Units — QABA & IBAO
Beyond the Label 2026 has been approved for 2 CEU units by QABA and IBAO, as stated in the official seminar materials.
Participants who intend to claim CEU credit must comply with the required attendance, documentation, evaluation, and completion procedures announced by the organizers.
CPD for Licensed Professional Teachers
Application Submitted — Pending Approval
The CPD application for Licensed Professional Teachers is being facilitated in partnership with ELEVATED TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, our PRC-accredited CPD provider partner.
The application remains subject to the official evaluation and approval process of the Professional Regulation Commission. Final CPD unit allocation and approval will be announced once formally confirmed.
CPD Units for LPTs — Pending Approval
Participants seeking CPD credit will be expected to comply with the attendance, evaluation, documentation, and other requirements prescribed by the provider and applicable PRC guidelines once approval is granted.
Continuing the Advocacy
Beyond the Label is part of a continuing advocacy effort focused on child development, disability, inclusive education, literacy, neurodevelopmental needs, and meaningful participation across the lifespan.
The movement began through community and school-based initiatives that sought to bring information and professional conversations closer to families, teachers, schools, and communities. Through the years, the advocacy has grown through public and private seminars, school engagements, professional training, online workshops, and collaborations with educators, professionals, advocates, and institutions.
Beyond the Label Year 2 continues that work with a clearer direction: to move beyond simply increasing awareness and begin asking what action, support, intervention, collaboration, and long-term planning should follow.
InclusiveEducation.ph & ESL Philippines
InclusiveEducation.ph is an advocacy initiative founded by ESL Philippines to strengthen awareness, education, collaboration, and access to information surrounding child development, disability, literacy, special and inclusive education, and lifelong support.
It brings together parents, educators, therapists, professionals, advocates, schools, institutions, and communities around the shared goal of making support more timely, practical, collaborative, and accessible.
ESL Philippines, founded in 2014, is an education organization working with children, families, teachers, schools, and communities through early childhood education, literacy, academic enrichment, teacher development, and inclusive learning initiatives. Beyond the Label forms part of its wider community advocacy through InclusiveEducation.ph.
Venue & Participant Information
Why UP Diliman?
Holding Beyond the Label 2026 at the University of the Philippines Diliman marks an important milestone in the growth of the initiative.
The venue reflects the seminar's commitment to serious interdisciplinary learning, evidence-informed discussion, collaboration, and bringing different sectors together in one academic setting.
The seminar will be held at the School of Statistics Auditorium, University of the Philippines Diliman, with the official event materials confirming the October 24, 2026 date and UP Diliman venue.
Registration & Check-in
Registration opens at 7:00 AM.
Upon arrival, participants will verify their registration and receive their participant ID and seminar kit before entering the seminar. The formal program begins at 8:00 AM, so participants are strongly encouraged to arrive early.
Those seeking CEU or CPD credit should make sure they complete all required attendance, check-in, evaluation, and documentation procedures.
Networking Lunch
A networking buffet lunch will be served from 12:00 to 1:00 PM outside the auditorium.
The lunch area will use a standing networking setup with cocktail tables, buffet tables, designated food-service areas, and drinking water. The arrangement is intended to give participants an opportunity to meet fellow parents, educators, professionals, advocates, organizations, and other delegates during the break.
Food is not allowed inside the auditorium.
Participants may bring small biscuits or light snacks only, subject to venue rules, but meals must be consumed in the designated areas outside the auditorium. Drinking water will be provided.
Parking & Arrival
Parking is available within the UP Diliman area, subject to campus regulations and availability.
Because parking may become limited and attendees will need time to enter the campus, walk to the venue, check in, receive their seminar materials, and settle inside, participants are strongly encouraged to come early.
Venue & Map
School of Statistics Auditorium
University of the Philippines Diliman
Quezon City, Philippines
Important Information
Registration & Attendance Policy
Registration is confirmed upon completion of the registration form and verified full payment. As slots and event arrangements are prepared based on confirmed attendance, all registrations are non-refundable.
If an onsite participant can no longer attend in person, the slot may be transferred to another participant or converted to online attendance, if an online option is available, provided the organizers are informed before the event. Any difference in fees will follow the event’s applicable policy.
Requests for participant transfer, cancellation of onsite attendance, or change of attendance mode must be submitted no later than October 17, 2026, or 7 days before the event. After this deadline, no changes may be accommodated.
No-shows and unused confirmed registrations are non-refundable. If the event is cancelled by the organizers, participants will be advised of the available refund, rescheduling, or alternative arrangements.
Certificates, Accreditation & Event Guidelines
Participants seeking CEU or CPD credit must complete the required attendance, evaluation, documentation, and other applicable accreditation requirements.
E-certificates will be issued within 7–14 working days after the seminar to participants who have completed all required event and evaluation procedures. Posting of CPD units to PRC/CPDAS may take additional time and will depend on processing by the accredited CPD provider and PRC.
The organizers reserve the right to make necessary adjustments to the program, speakers, schedule, or event arrangements. Participants are also expected to follow the applicable rules of the University of the Philippines Diliman and the School of Statistics Auditorium.
Photo & Video Documentation Notice
Beyond the Label 2026 will be documented through photography and video for event documentation, educational and advocacy materials, official website and social media content, organizational archives, and future communications related to the advocacy.
By entering and participating in public event areas, attendees acknowledge that photography and video recording may take place.
Participants with specific concerns regarding documentation may approach the registration team upon arrival.
Partner with Beyond the Label 2026
Beyond the Label 2026 welcomes select companies, institutions, organizations, and advocates that share the initiative's commitment to child development, inclusive education, literacy, disability support, and meaningful participation across the lifespan.
Partnership helps extend the reach of the advocacy while allowing organizations to connect with a multidisciplinary community of parents, educators, professionals, schools, advocates, and institutions.
For partnership inquiries, please contact Kristyn or Eunice at seminar.eslph@gmail.com.
Everything You Need to Know
Who can attend Beyond the Label 2026?
Is the seminar only about autism?
When and where is the seminar?
How much is registration?
How do I register?
What happens during check-in?
Is lunch included?
Can I eat inside the auditorium?
Will drinking water be provided?
Is there seating during lunch?
Is parking available?
Are CEU units available?
Are CPD units available for Licensed Professional Teachers?
Will I receive a certificate?
Can our school or organization register as a group?
Are partnership opportunities available?
Will participants be able to ask the speakers questions?
Will the event be photographed or recorded?
Who can I contact for questions?
From Diagnosis to Direction
Bridging the Gaps Across the Lifespan
October 24, 2026 | Saturday
School of Statistics Auditorium, University of the Philippines Diliman
Registration & Check-in: 7:00 AM
Program: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Registration Fee: ₱1,800
2 CEU Units — Approved by QABA & IBAO
CPD Units for LPTs — Application Submitted / Pending Approval
Awareness should lead to action.
Inclusion should lead to meaningful participation.
Education should prepare a person not only for school, but for life.
For inquiries, group registration, and partnerships:
Kristyn or Eunice |
seminar.eslph@gmail.com