Private sector called to hire differently-able persons
by JMD Abangan
Tagum City (15 October) -- Mainstreaming the differently-abled persons (DAPs) could get far if the private sector would them as workers, Davao del Norte provincial governor's executive assistant IV, Anthony G. del Rosario pointed out.
Addressing the joint meeting of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) and the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, del Rosario said the differently-abled persons could join the workforce if the private sector would hire them.
"The private sector should also start hiring the under-privilege people. If the SMEs (small and medium entrepreneurs), the big conglomerates would hire them, there's no reason why the persons with disabilities would be left behind," he said.
Delivering the speech of Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo P. Del Rosario, the young del Rosario bared the population of DAPs in the province to reach a total of 7,746.
He said the provincial government especially under the leadership of Governor del Rosario, had been hiring DAPs but he bared no specific listing yet on the number of DAPs so far admitted into the provincial capitol workforce.
The young del Rosario conveyed to (RCDA) members coming from various government agencies and LGU offices, of the provincial government's commitment to socially integrate the DAPs.
He said the RDR WHEELS will embrace concerns of DAPs to empower them and to help them develop self-confidence.
On the other hand, del Rosario asked the RCDA and the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons to sit down with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Social Welfare and take up concerns of the DAP sector.
"Without proper legislation, it would be difficult for the province to act" on matters concerning the welfare of differently-abled persons, he said but he assured RCDA that Governor del Rosario is committed to helping the sector.
Looking after the welfare of DAPs is now placed under the Office of the President through the National Council for Disability Affairs whose regional counterpart is the RCDA.
Newly elected RCDA chairperson, Ester Acebedo Versoza of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was hopeful of the strong support of the RCDA members.
She was also looking forward for the provincial government of Davao del Norte to spearhead the showcasing of projects intended to mainstream DAPs into the normal way of life. (PIA) [top]
