8M Filipinos to benefit from creation of PWD Affairs Office – Sen. Recto
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
Cagayan de Oro City (9 October) -- The country’s estimated 8 million persons with disabilities (PWD) will stand to benefit with the establishment of a permanent structure that enhances their skills and capabilities to the fullest.
Such is the main agenda of the Regional Media Forum on Disability and Public Hearing on Senate Bill No. 1375 scheduled on Oct. 11, 2006 at the Grand Caprice Restaurant, Lim Ket Kai Complex, Cagayan de Oro City, which calls for the creation of a PWD Affairs Office in every local government unit nationwide
The activity will be presided by Senator Ralph Recto, author of the said bill entitled “An Act Creating the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office in Every Province, City and Municipality, Amending Section 40 of Republic Act No. 7277,” otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.”
The bill is in line with the government’s effort to continuously work for the expansion of its pro-poor development programs to fight poverty and ensure that the disadvantaged feel the results of the country’s economic gains.
“Once passed, SB 1375 signals a big step in concreting efforts for the PWDs integration into the mainstream of society as it will enhance to the fullest their capabilities and potentials thereby giving them equal opportunities and promote their welfare,” Recto said.
The bill, the Senator further said, calls for the LGUs and national government agencies to join hands together with PWD organizations or associations to explore livelihood opportunities and undertakings that will enhance their health and physical fitness including their economic and social being.
Meanwhile, Catalina L. Fermin, Executive Director of the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) said the forum will be participated in by local media practitioners and the PWD sector whose primary purpose is to provide participants the knowledge and insights of the current disability trends and issues, including the rights, privileges and opportunities of PWDs as stipulated under RA 7277.
Organized by the NCWDP, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Handicapped International and the Philippine Information Agency, Region 10 (PIA-10), the forum will be also participated in by information officers of the regional line agencies and other representatives of the NGAs that implement programs for PWDs.
Among these NGAs are the Dept. of Education (DepEd), Dept. of Health, (DOH), Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) who are expected to present their programs and concerns available for the PWDs, Fermin also said. (PIA 10) [top]
