#Persons With Disability Affairs Office (PDAO)

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Muntinlupa City Government provides assistance to almost 200 home-bound PWDs

Recently in the progressive city of Muntinlupa, the City Government extended assistance to almost two hundred homebound persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the form of services under a local program, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface… The Muntinlupa City government…

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PLDT, Smart, ATRIEV hold digital training for persons with disabilities in Cebu

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) conducted an eight-day Digital Business Basics Training (DBBT) for persons with disabilities in Mandaue City, Cebu. The training was done in collaboration with non-profit organization ATRIEV, Voice Philippines, and the Mandaue City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).   Under their Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy…

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CADET ATTACHMENT PROGRAM

DAY 3 | January 16, 2023 | 8:00AM - 5:00PM

MONDAY FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

This morning, I was instructed to report and render courtesy call to PCOL ROBERT R BAESA, COP, TCPS as well as to attend the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony at the Taguig City Hall as I was reassigned to Taguig City Police Station beside the City Hall. The City Government of Taguig was this time celebrating the 27th National Autism Consciousness Week with the themes "1Pangako: A Call for Kindness" and "Building a Nation Powered by Transformative Autism-Inclusive Innovation" together with the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) and other government agencies including the PNP, BJMP and BFP.

National Autism Consciousness Week is held every third week of January. It is a time to raise awareness through sharing vital information about this lifelong neurological disorder and to bolster the government's commitment for the inclusion of people with autism. This annual celebration is conducted as a response to the increasing statistics of Filipinos diagnosed with this condition and has been supported by the Proclamation No. 711 signed on Jan. 4, 1996, by then President Fidel Ramos.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by social and communication deficits that impede optimal functioning. The cause of this condition has remained unknown yet has been linked to genetics. Some autistic people have difficulty in making eye contact, understanding or using spoken language and expressing emotions or feelings which sometimes lead to self-harming behavior, tantrums and aggression. These characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later. [1]

Some of the main signs of autism are anxiety, especially in social situations, the inability to make friends and difficulty in understanding what others think or feel. While an independent life is possible for those in the spectrum, not all are able to achieve the same level of independence. Since ASD is a developmental disability, it must be noted that ASD begins before the age of 3 and can last throughout a person’s life, with symptoms improving over time. [2]

During the said activity, Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) head Larry Supas shared the importance of supporting the persons with disabilities particularly those with autism. According to him, people with Autism have daily challenges that not everyone can understand and that we have to support them in every way. The local government and the PDAO continue to intensify and expand advocacy against abuse and discrimination.

On the other side, Mayor Lani Cayetano encouraged everyone to join her in reciting the 1Pangako Pledge. This pledge aims not to use the word "autistic" as a joke but rather to promote the acceptance and care of people with disabilities.

As a cadet, I became more aware to people with Autism and what it means to live with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) specially the unique challenges that they may face, such as difficulty in communication, social interactions, and understanding the environment.

It is important for us, cadets, to have a good understanding of autism and its impact on individuals and families. This understanding can help us, cadets, to provide appropriate support and assistance to individuals with autism, and to interact with them in a respectful and sensitive manner.

References: [1] https://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/mindanao/region-xi-davao-region/6928-national-autism-consciousness-week-ways-to-promote-healthy-eating-for-autistic-people [2] https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2023/01/20/2238988/national-autism-consciousness-week

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PWD cash aid in Navotas

PWD cash aid in Navotas

The Navotas city government and Persons with Disability Affairs Office distributed the cash assistance for the PWD scholars. About 397 scholars for the 2021-2022 school year received their P2,000.00 allowance for the months of April to July. For scholars who have not claimed their cash assistance, just go to the PDAO at Navoserve, Navotas City Read Full News @ Daily Tribune

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Novo Ecijano PWD proves disability not inability

#PHnews: Novo Ecijano PWD proves disability not inability

CABIAO, Nueva Ecija – Disability does not translate to inability.

This stands true to 43-year-old Dennis Liwag, whose disability did not stop him from achieving personal success by being able to earn a living to support, not only himself, but also his family.

Liwag, who has mobility impairment, works as a clerk at the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) office in this town.

For four years, Liwag has shown that he can deliver what is expected from him, just like his abled co-employees.

He is one of those in charge of providing services and assistance to his fellow PWDs such as the issuance of identification (ID) cards.

“Kasama rin sa trabaho ko ang pagbibigay tulong sa mga tulad ko na PWDs (Included in my work is giving assistance to those PWDs like me),” he told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview on Monday.

Liwag said he rarely goes absent in his work except on some days due to unavoidable circumstances.

He drives some eight kilometers from his residence in Barangay Entablado to their office at the municipal hall building of Cabiao using a customized tricycle given by his two siblings.

“Dahil sa tulong ng mga kapatid ko ay napalitan ang lumang tricycle na ginagamit ko ng isang upgraded and customized (Through the help of my siblings, my old tricycle was replaced with an upgraded and customized one),” he said.

Prior to working at the local DSWD office, Liwag was a tricycle driver for four years in their community.

He also used to sell vegetables by going around the villages to help support his family.

“Nakakarating ako hanggang Pampanga to sell calamansi. Ayaw kong umasa sa mga kapatid ko. Kaya gumagawa ako ng paraan para suportahan ko ang pamilya (I went as far as Pampanga to sell calamansi. Because I do not want to rely on my siblings. So, I tried to find ways to support my family),” he said.

Liwag is married but he and his wife separated a few years ago. With him is their 15-year-old daughter while their seven-year-old son is with his estranged wife.

He said he was born a normal baby but got sick with meningitis when he was one-year-old.

“Sabi ng parents ko nagkasakit ako ng meningitis at unti-unti na-paralyze ang aking mga paa. Hanggang sa maging ganito na ako. (My parents said I got meningitis and gradually my legs were paralyzed. Until I became like this),” he said.

Despite his condition, Liwag said he never experienced “self-pity” even when he was a child.

He said he finished elementary and high school like a normal kid.

He then took up a computer programming course in a vocational school in this province but was not able to finish it due to the school’s lack of appropriate facilities for PWDs.

“Hindi ko natapos ang pag-aaral ko. Kasi ko na kinaya pang umakyat sa second floor na school naming nang step by step (I did not finish my studies. Because I could not go up to the second floor of our school step by step),” he said.

But according to Liwag, he has no regrets about not being able to finish his studies.

“May plano ang Diyos kung kaya nangyari yun (God has a plan why it happened),” he said.

Asked what his goals in life are, Liwag said he has nothing more to ask for himself, but for his fellow PWDs. He said he desires for all persons like him to become self-reliant and be able to earn for themselves and their families.

“Hindi hadlang ang kapansanan para hindi makapaglingkod sa kapwa at sa bayan (Disability is not a barrier to not being able to serve our fellowmen and the nation),” Liwag said. (PNA)

  ***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Novo Ecijano PWD proves disability not inability." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134442 (accessed March 23, 2021 at 01:29AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Novo Ecijano PWD proves disability not inability." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134442 (archived).

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Whatever happened to: Family with spurious PWD cards MANILA, Philippines — Charges have been prepared against former officials of the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) linked to the irregular release of six PWD cards to a family, although the House pan... https://trendingph.net/whatever-happened-to-family-with-spurious-pwd-cards/?feed_id=17084&_unique_id=5fbe0811df1a9 #cards #family #happened #philippinenews #philippinesnews #pwd #spurious #trendingph

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P2M PDAO to rise in Pagadian

P2M PDAO to rise in Pagadian

PAGADIAN CITY, July 19 (PIA) – – Differently-abled persons will soon have their own Persons’ with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in Pagadian City as P2 million fund is already allotted for its construction, bared City Social Welfare and Development Officer-Myra Kwan. 

“Naa na gyud pondo, ga explore lang mi sa pagka-karon sa location asa ipatukod ang building. (There is funding, we are now…

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Cerebral palsy patients get assistive devices

#PHnews: Cerebral palsy patients get assistive devices

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The provincial government here has distributed assistive devices to eight cerebral palsy patients as part of the celebration of the 17th Cerebral Palsy Awareness and Protection Week that kicked off on September 16.

Paolo Castillo, head of the Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said in an interview Thursday the eight recipients of assistive devices came from eight towns of the province.

“We distributed crutches, quad canes and single canes to identified individuals with cerebral palsy,” he said.

He also said these assistive devices were part of the support provided by the Department of Health (DOH) Integrated Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Program Section.

“The assistive devices were provided by the DOH (Department of Health) together with the 80 wheelchairs for the PWDs (persons with disability) and Seniors that were distributed last July 21 during the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week celebration also,” he said.

Meanwhile, Castillo said in Sept. 16, two children have availed of the tele-physical therapy consultation from the Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Unit Therapy Center.

“There are two clients that the CBID Therapy Center had started to cater, however, because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) their therapy momentarily had been stopped,” he said.

He said as part of this week’s celebration the CBID Therapy Center therapist is reaching out to them through online to know their situations.

“On September 21, there will be a culmination activity in Barangay Cabladan in Sibalom,” he said.

The children were found to be suffering from cerebral palsy during the Antique Provincial Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRELEC) last Sept. 2.

CBID therapist Angie Liz Vagilidad said cerebral palsy is a condition wherein there is a compromise of blood to the young brain.

"Among the predisposing factors could be low birth weight of the child, premature or child had meningitis," she said, adding that the disorder could lead to motor problem and mental retardation. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Cerebral palsy patients get assistive devices." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115736 (accessed September 18, 2020 at 03:04AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Cerebral palsy patients get assistive devices." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115736 (archived).

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Tagalog News: Assistive devices, ipinagkaloob sa 46 Batangueño PWDs 

#PHinfo: Tagalog News: Assistive devices, ipinagkaloob sa 46 Batangueño PWDs 

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Marso 1 (PIA) --Nasa 46 na mga Batangueño persons with disabilities (PWD) ang nakatanggap ng assistive devices mula sa Department of Health (DOH) noong ika- 22 ng Pebrero.   Ang mga benepisyaryo ng walker, crutches at white cane ay mula sa mga bayan ng Bauan, Cuenca, San Pascual at Malvar, at Lungsod ng Lipa.   Naisakatuparan ang proyekto ito sa pakikipag-ugnayan nina Provincial Disability Affairs Officer (PDAO), Ginoong Edwin De Villa, at Provincial Federation President of Persons With Disability, Ginoong Nelson R. Adante, kina Regional Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo at Paulina Calo ng DOH-Region IV-A CALABARZON.   Ayon kay Ginoong Adante, naging posible ang nasabing gawain dahil sa patuloy na pag-agapay sa PWD sector ng Provincial Social Welfare Development Office sa pangangasiwa nina PSWDO department head Jocelyn R. Montalbo at PWD Focal Person Joan Mae Mendoza.   Aniya, dama ng mga Batangueñong PWDs ang pagpapahalaga sa kanilang kapakanan dahil sa mga programa at proyekto ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, sa pangunguna ni Gov. DoDo Mandanas.   Malaki naman ang pasasalamat ng mga nakatanggap ng nasabing mga kagamitan sapagkat kung noong una ay sila ay nananatili lamang sa kanilang tahanan, sila ay maaari nang makalabas at makisalamuha sa kapwa sakaling matapos na ang pandemyang kinakaharap na siyang nagbibigay ng limitasyon sa mga tulad nila upang lumabas at makihalo sa karamihan. (BHABY P. DE CASTRO-PIA Batangas with report from Batangas Province PIO)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Tagalog News: Assistive devices, ipinagkaloob sa 46 Batangueño PWDs ." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1068221 (accessed March 01, 2021 at 02:18PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Tagalog News: Assistive devices, ipinagkaloob sa 46 Batangueño PWDs ." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1068221 (archived).

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'Direction for All' to empower persons with disability -- NCDA

#PHinfo: 'Direction for All' to empower persons with disability -- NCDA

QUEZON CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) - National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Emerito L. Rojas,  focuses on the 'Direction For All' approach in an effort to continue empowering Filipinos  with disability.

This approach will achieve the ultimate goal for persons with disabilities thru one sector.

Rojas emphasized that the one direction approach comprises of sectors of Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDAs), Local Government Units LGUs), Persons with Disability (PWDs),    and Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs).  They will collaborate  with NCDA, the  lead agency to  the new responsive direction for  2021,  focusing on  (1)  Employment and  Livelihood; (2) Disability Data Management;  and (3) Education programs.  They will   work jointly on the (a) Policy Formulation and National Agencies’ Priorities; (b) Regional Policy Adoption and Implementation; and (c) Policy implementation of programs, projects  and services.

He also highlighted that to identify policy gaps and challenges in the implementation, reviews on selected laws on disability  will be conducted on the  (1)  Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 otherwise known as the “Accessibility Law”   by   expanding a provision on  the accessibility to persons with visual and communication disabilities; (2) Republic Act  10524 (1% of all positions in all government reserved for Persons with Disabilities); and (3) Executive Order no. 417 titled as  “Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.”  

Further, a monitoring on the Implementation of RA No. 10070 or the PDAO Law will also be undertaken on the  (a) Establishment and operations of PDAO; (b) Capacity building for PDAO heads and Focal Persons on Disability; and (c) Organizing the National League of PDAOs. 

Moreover, the Disability Data Management through the Philippine Registry for Persons with Disability (PRPWD) headed by the Department of Health (DOH), allows the Council to manage the number of persons with disabilities in the country, and to spot the PWD fake ID creation/issuance.

"With a clearly established metric system, it will be easy to quantify the number of persons with disabilities and their location for easy monitoring, " he stressed. 

Meanwhile, all advocacy activities of the NCDA are conducted  in virtual meetings, zoom, webinars and in facebook live. According to the Director, he is expanding more of his advocacy  through  emerging technologies in the new normal such as (a) E-Library system;  (b) Online Radio Broadcast (Youtube, Twitter, Facebook live); (c) Video Clip Production; and (e) Memes/Infographic Development. In this way, he said, NCDA can  be reachable and accessible around the country and the world. 

In his final statement, Director Rojas expressed his gratitude to RCDAs, PWDs,  PDAOs, LGUs and other  stakeholders for their commitment and continuous support and  collaboration  with  the NCDA  to   promote  the rights for persons with disabilities.         (MCG/PIA-IDPD/NCDA)

      ***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "'Direction for All' to empower persons with disability -- NCDA." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066021 (accessed February 05, 2021 at 09:10PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "'Direction for All' to empower persons with disability -- NCDA." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066021 (archived).

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ZamboSur SP to allocate P 7-M budget for PWDs

#PHinfo: ZamboSur SP to allocate P 7-M budget for PWDs

PAGADIAN CITY, Dec 21 (PIA) - To provide adequate care for people with disabilities (PWDs), the provincial government has launched programs and projects that will benefit the said sector in order to improve their living conditions despite their physical disabilities.

This was revealed by Vice Governor Roseller Ariosa, keynote speaker before members of the Zamboanga del Sur PWD Federation during the 28th International PWD Day held recently at the Executive Function Hall, Provincial Capitol Complex in this city.

Ariosa said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved the provincial ordinance NO. 031 series of 2020 entitled ‘Establishing the persons with disabilities affairs office (PDAO) in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, defining its organizational structure and appropriating funds.’

Under the ordinance, Ariosa said the Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) will be one of the departments of the provincial government that will address the needs of the PWD sector in our province.

He proudly announced that the ordinance was adopted and also implemented in the municipalities of Molave, Dimataling and Dumingag and is believed to be of great benefit and service to PWDs.

The vice governor was also happy to announce that the SP will spend P7-M on their proposed 2021 budget for the PDAO office to truly serve the PWDs.

"We are hopeful that with the establishment of PDAO under the management of Mirriam Llanos, our PWDs will be properly cared for," Ariosa said.

He added that the SP also supported the proposed legislative measures that would benefit the PWDs, namely: House Bill No. 7571 otherwise known as PWD Financial Resilience Act that seeks to institutionalize the provision of financial assistance and protection for PWDs and House Bill No. 5896, the Universal Accessibility Act of 2019 that mandates the application of universal design, principles and standards, and policies for the creation of free environments, transportation and facilities to ensure and enhance the dignity, independence, mobility, safety, and convenience of PWDs.

"At our level, the SP will pass a resolution supporting the speedy approval of the proposed measures so that the privileges and benefits can be enjoyed by you — the PWDs," Ariosa proudly announced.

"Rest assured that we look into your welfare and whatever programs, projects and activities that Governor Victor Yu intends to adopt, we will give our all out legislative support," Ariosa concluded. (RVC/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "ZamboSur SP to allocate P 7-M budget for PWDs." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1062146 (accessed December 21, 2020 at 09:39AM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "ZamboSur SP to allocate P 7-M budget for PWDs." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1062146 (archived).

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Tagalog News: Kapitolyo ng NE, patuloy sa pamamahagi ng assistive devices sa PWDs

#PHinfo: Tagalog News: Kapitolyo ng NE, patuloy sa pamamahagi ng assistive devices sa PWDs

LUNGSOD NG CABANATUAN, Disyembre 11 (PIA) -- Patuloy sa pamamahagi ng mga assistive devices ang Nueva Ecija Provincial Disability Affairs Office o PDAO para sa mga higit na nangangailangang kababayang may kapansanan.   Ayon kay PDAO Head Ariel Sta. Ana, nais matugunan ng tanggapan ang mga pangangailangang kagamitan ng mga may kapansanan upang makakilos sila ng maayos, makatulong sa kanilang pang-araw- araw na pamumuhay.   Aniya, mayroong biniling tig-20 wheelchair, cane at crutches ang pamahalaang panlalawigan na ipamamahagi sa mga nangangailangang persons with disability o PWD sa Nueva Ecija.   Bukod pa ang hiniling at ipinagkaloob na 105 wheelchair mula sa Department of Social Welfare and Development na kung saan ang unang 32 ay handa nang maipamahagi.    Pahayag ni Sta. Ana, maaari pang magpasa ng aplikasyon ang mga nais makatanggap ng mga libreng assistive devices, makipag-ugnayan lamang sa tanggapan o kaya naman ay sa mga nakasasakop na PWD leader, PDAO, Municipal at City Social Welfare and Development Office.    Ilan sa mga dokumentong kailangan para sa aplikasyon ay ang kopya ng PWD o senior ID, certificate of indigence, at ang filled-out form mula sa opisina. 

Si Nueva Ecija Provincial Disability Affairs Office Head Ariel Sta. Ana. (PIA File Photo)

Dagdag ni Sta. Ana, sinasagot din ng kanilang opisina ang pagpapagawa ng mga arm at leg prosthesis na ang gastusin ay aabot sa humigit 30-libong piso hanggang daang libong piso.    Nakikipagugnayan din aniya ang PDAO sa iba’t ibang tanggapan upang mailapit ang mga pangangailangan sa edukasyon at pangkabuhayan ng mga nasasakupang may kapansanan.   Gayundin ay maging prayoridad ang may kapansanan sa mga makatatanggap ng mga ayuda bilang isa sa mga vulnerable sector ng lipunan.    Ibinalita din ni Sta. Ana na aprubado na ang pondo ng tanggapan para sa susunod na taon na kinabibilangan ng patuloy na pamamahagi ng mga assistive devices gayundin ang pagsasagawa ng mga pagsasanay para sa pagkakaroon ng dagdag kita at hanapbuhay ng mga PWD sa Nueva Ecija.    Aniya, bagamat nananatili ang pandemiyang dulot ng COVID-19 ay tinututukan ng tanggapan ang pagsasaayos ng talaan ng mga may kapansanan sa lalawigan na sa kasalukuyan ay aabot sa bilang na 15,518.    Kaniiyang panawagan ay kumuha ng PWD ID upang makamit ang mga benepisyo at pribilehiyo na makatutulong sa pangangailangang medikasyon at pamumuhay. (CLJD/CCN-PIA 3)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Tagalog News: Kapitolyo ng NE, patuloy sa pamamahagi ng assistive devices sa PWDs." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061518 (accessed December 11, 2020 at 09:19PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Tagalog News: Kapitolyo ng NE, patuloy sa pamamahagi ng assistive devices sa PWDs." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061518 (archived).

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Solons call for crackdown vs. fake PWDs

#PHnews: Solons call for crackdown vs. fake PWDs

MANILA – Two party-list congressmen have urged the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) to review the implementation of Republic Act 10754 or the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability (PWD).

Congressmen Ronnie Ong of the Ang Probinsyano Party-list and Eric Yap of ACT-CIS called on these government agencies to initiate a crackdown against the proliferation of PWD impersonators.

They said most businesses in the country are barely surviving because of the corona pandemic and the unauthorized use of the PWD cards to get discounts as required by the law is making life even harder for them.

Under the law, PWDs are given an automatic 20 percent direct discount and are VAT exempt on purchases of certain goods and services from all establishments for their exclusive use, among many other privileges.

While he supports the objective of RA 10754, Ong said it has become apparent that it is abused by people faking a disability to avail of discounts and privileges provided for PWDs. This is causing huge financial losses not only to many business establishments but to the government as well.

He said the law has a very little safeguard against PWD impersonators and there is not even a uniform specification on the proof of entitlement which makes it very easy for people to make fake PWD identification cards.

Under RA10754, PWD IDs can be issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) or the City / Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) for persons with the following types of disabilities:

• Psychosocial disability – Includes bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other long-term and recurring mental or behavioral issues;

• Disability resulting from a chronic illness – Includes orthopedic disability due to cancer, blindness due to diabetes, and other disabilities due to a chronic disease;

• Learning disability – Includes processing problems that hinder learning math, reading, writing, and other basic skills;

• Visual disability – Simple poor eyesight doesn’t automatically qualify a person for a PWD ID unless the visual impairment cannot be corrected.

• Orthopedic (Musculoskeletal) disability – Includes people with dwarfism and amputated hands or feet. Individuals with scoliosis may also apply for an ID.

• Mental/Intellectual disability

• Hearing disability

• Speech impairment

• Multiple disabilities

While some of the listed types of disabilities are obvious to the naked eye, others in the list are hard to determine and can be easily faked.

To resolve this, Ong said it is for the government to recall all old PWD IDs and issue new ones subject to full verification by either the DOH or the NCDA.

A national PWD database must be also created so that each PWD can have their own Quick Response codes (QR Codes) or machine-readable bar codes. These digital codes can contain their details that can be checked and verified online through mobile apps when claiming discounts.

“These fake PWDs are bad for businesses, especially for small ones. They are faking their disability and are abusing the PWD Law just to get discounts. Our business sector is barely surviving these days and it is the duty of the government to make sure that they are protected from these kinds of consumer abuse,” Ong said.

In February, a month before President Rodrigo Duterte declared a national health emergency, Ong and Yap organized a congressional roundtable discussion which was attended by various PWD organizations.

It was attended by representatives from Resources for the Blind, Norfil Foundation, AKKAPP PWD San Jose, Grain Foundation, Deaf and Blind Support Philippines and PWD Philippine, private companies, and associations, such as the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association to discuss the alarming proliferation of fake PWD IDs.

Yap also echoed Ong’s call for the creation of a centralized electronic database of the legitimate PWDs and a thorough vetting process must be done before anyone is issued with a PWD ID.

“The key is to develop an automated system. Through this, it will be easier to store and manage data. This system will contain all the PWD’s information, which will make it easier to verify whether an individual is indeed a PWD. All LGUs report to one centralized system so verification is easier,” Yap said.

Yap, who was the one who first raised concern about these fake PWDs, said that Local Government Units (LGUs) should strictly screen applicants to ensure that only legitimate PWDs can avail of the discounts and other privileges provided under the law.

Yap said he has received repeated complaints against persons who are not disabled but are using PWD cards to get discounts.

“The cards can be improved to have a barcode, so establishments can scan it and all their details can be viewed through the screen,” Yap said.

The two party-list congressmen also reiterated that the proliferation of fake PWD IDs is unfair for real PWDs because it unnecessarily puts a stigma against them, with some people thinking they are just feigning their disability for a discount card.

“Many establishments have grown wary over those using PWD IDs because of fake cards, and so, a crackdown ending this proliferation will finally protect our real PWDs from discrimination brought about by fake PWDs,” they added. (PR)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Solons call for crackdown vs. fake PWDs." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106480 (accessed June 20, 2020 at 02:47AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Solons call for crackdown vs. fake PWDs." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106480 (archived).

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DOH to give wheelchairs to 80 PWDs, seniors

#PHnews: DOH to give wheelchairs to 80 PWDs, seniors

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Eighty indigent persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens from the province of Antique will be the recipients of wheelchairs from the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development Western Visayas (DOH-CHD 6).

Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) head Paolo Castillo said the wheelchairs are needed by the target beneficiaries particularly at this time of the health crisis.

“We requested for these wheelchairs from the DOH to help PWDs and seniors who could not afford to buy it,” he said in an interview, Friday.

He said the beneficiaries will come from 18 towns of the province who were identified as indigents.

The distribution will be done after June 15 upon the request of Governor Rhodora Cadiao, he said.

“There will be 35 PWDs and 45 seniors who will receive the wheelchairs,” he said.

Their names were already submitted to the DOH together with requests for wheelchairs a few months ago.

Antique has 13,000 PWDs registered with the PDAO but only 5,000 were registered with the DOH.

They need to register online for profiling and for them to receive assistance from DOH.

Castillo said many of them were unable to register online because they don’t know how to use the computer or they have no access to the internet.

“PWDs who may need assistance for their online registration may seek assistance from their Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office,” he said.

He added that the PWDs may also request PDAO to assist them in their online registration. The province has 80,000 senior citizens, who do not need to register online but need to have their names listed with the local social welfare and development office if they wanted to avail of the device. (PNA)

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References:

* Philippine News Agency. "DOH to give wheelchairs to 80 PWDs, seniors." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105031 (accessed June 05, 2020 at 11:11PM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "DOH to give wheelchairs to 80 PWDs, seniors." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105031 (archived).

[phgq]

City LGU leads observance of Autism Consciousness Week

#PHinfo: City LGU leads observance of Autism Consciousness Week

BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) ---The city government joins the observance of the National Autism Consciousness Week with the theme, “Strive beyond awareness and to inspire genuine inclusion through acceptance, accommodation and appreciation.”

The observance is highlighted with an art exhibit by children in the autism spectrum at SM City Baguio from January 21-31, 2020. Other activities included orientation on autism, workshop and gala show by St. John Paul II Learning Center students and family fun day.

Sam Aquino, head of the city government's Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), thanked all those who support the affair and for making it possible so that the art works of the children can be appreciated.

Untying of the ribbon of the Autism Arts Exhibit at SM Baguio. (L toR) Susan Ang of Autism Society of the Philippines, Bea Garma of St. John Learning Center, Sam Aquino of Persons with Disabilty Affairs Office -Baguio, Mon Cabrera of Camp John Hay Development Corporation, and Rona Vida Correa of SM Baguio.

These children are lucky because we have kindhearted people who are always willing to extend a helping hand even sometimes it hurts in their pocket, Aquino said.

Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDEvCo) and Baguio Country Club in partnership with Fil-Am Golf donated P500,000.00 to Autism Hearts Foundation, for its  various projects for children with autism who are into arts.

Ramon Cabrera, CJHDEvCo general manager, in his inspiration talk assured that their company will continue to support endeavors for and about children with autism.

 Aquino also acknowledged and   thanked the parents for their love to their children and for promoting that these children have special skills.

He bared that five children with autism in the city have been invited to participate in the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day celebration in New York and San Francisco, USA in March. These children will showcase their talents in the arts.  

Proclamation No. 711 s. 1996 declares every third week of January  as  “Autism Consciousness Week “ develop awareness of the problems of autistic persons and promote a supportive environment among communities to enable autistic persons to live with dignity and enable them to function independently and contribute productively to society.” (JDP/JBZ- PIA CAR)

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References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "City LGU leads observance of Autism Consciousness Week ." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033380 (accessed January 28, 2020 at 04:57PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "City LGU leads observance of Autism Consciousness Week ." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033380 (archived).

[phgq]

Comelec execs to witness voting simulation of PWDs in Butuan

#PHnews: Comelec execs to witness voting simulation of PWDs in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY – A voting simulation is scheduled to take place here next Monday (January 27) to be participated in by persons with disability (PWDs) and witnessed by top officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). In an interview on Wednesday, Butuan City election officer Samuel Rollo told Philippine News Agency that around 100 PWDs from five barangays will join the voting simulation, which will start from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Libertad National High School. “Coordination was already made with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) here and they already submitted names of PWDs from five barangays,” Rollo said. The barangays include Libertad, Ambago, Bayanihan, Doongan, and Bancasi. The voting simulation is in line with the directive from Commissioner Al A. Parreño to create an electoral structure that is responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable people. “We will allow the PWD participants to experience actual voting and in the end gather their impressions, assessment, and recommendations,” Rollo said. Rollo said aside from Parreño, Comelec commissioners Luie Tito Guia, and Rowena Amelia Guanzon are expected to observe the voting simulation. “The commissioners will personally make evaluations based on the impressions of the participants of the voting simulation,” he said. The results of the evaluation will help Comelec make the polls responsive to the needs of people with special concerns, to include the PWDs and senior citizens, he added. The upcoming activity, Rollo said, is part of the continuing efforts of Comelec in promoting inclusive participation in exercising the right to suffrage. (PNA)

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References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Comelec execs to witness voting simulation of PWDs in Butuan." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091629 (accessed January 23, 2020 at 06:00AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Comelec execs to witness voting simulation of PWDs in Butuan." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091629 (archived).