Thursday, January 31, 2008 The sad plight of PWDs (Part 2) By Rimaliza Opiña
COMPARING the Philippines to other countries like Japan, Canada and the US, Pete Manio a wheelchair bound person-with-disability (PWD) and Venus Ilagan, national project director of Breaking Barriers for Children, said only one percent of the total workforce must come from the disabled sector, "but they have maximized this requirement"
In Baguio, Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. recently approved the installation of an elevator at City Hall to cater to PWDs and senior citizens. Funds for the purpose however, were approved way back in 2006.
Implementation of the project was stalled after the bids and awards committee (BAC) recommended re-alignment of funds for City Hall's building security plan.
Then councilor now Transportation and Communication Regional Director Federico Mandapat Jr. opposed the BAC's recommendation.
In the meantime, the City Engineers Office (CEO) was ordered to repaint blue lanes while Councilor Erdolfo Balajadia, chairman of the City Council committee on environment, social services and PWDs, is pushing for the allocation of funds as assistance for the STAC (Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center) at Bokawkan Road. The center is a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities.
Part of the Kampi's advocacy and the BBC, is to "compel" the government to ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of PWDs in the Philippines.
Kampi and BBC are also pushing for the establishment of additional rehabilitation centers for children with disabilities.
The Magna Carta for disabled persons gives certain privileges for PWDs. This include 20 percent discounts in establishments such as hotels, restaurants, recreation centers, admission fees in cinemas, medicines, medical and dental services, laboratory fees, transportation fees, educational assistance and to a certain degree, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture could give them special discounts for the purchase of basic commodities.
Likewise, PWDs are accorded the same benefits and privileges given by the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System and Pag-Ibig, express lanes in all commercial and government establishments.
Those caring for and living with PWDs also have incentives like tax reductions, realty tax holiday for the first five years of operation for homes or villages catering to PWDs and priority in the building and maintenance of roads leading to a retirement village.
