Monday, July 24, 2006
Local gov't units told to initiate info drives on disability prevention
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno has called on local government units (LGUs) to spearhead information campaigns in their respective communities aimed at sustaining public awareness on disability prevention and promoting a "non-handicap" environment for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The information drives, Puno said, should focus on the increased incidence of disasters, deforestation, and other forms of environmental destruction that have physically disabled persons and led to loss of lives, in line with the theme "Kalikasan Pangalagaan, Kapansanan Maiiwasan" of the 28th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NPDR) Week.
In a memorandum circular, Puno also urged local chief executives nationwide to conduct training and seminars on small-scale industries for organized PWDs, hold sensitivity workshops on the effects of the environment on disability, and showcase trade fairs of products made by PWDs.
"PWDs are equally entitled to some kind of protection under our laws and there are concerns that LGUs must continuously address to help safeguard their welfare, which go beyond the construction of special lanes or facilities for them," he said.
"LGUs are further advised to coordinate with their respective regional committees for the Welfare of Disabled Persons or Regional Program Coordinators to expedite program coordination and implementation of activities in their areas," he also said.
The DILG regional directors have been tasked to report on the activities undertaken by LGUs in compliance with the directive to the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) within 15 days after the NDPR Week celebration.
Puno has also suggested the hanging of streamers; tree planting; and the conduct of lectures and exhibition games on adoptive sports for PWDs, waste-recycling contests, quiz bees, philatelic exhibits and cultural shows.
The NDPR Week highlighted the importance of integrating PWDs into the mainstream of society as mandated under Republic Act (RA) 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Administrative Order (AO) 35 on May 3, 2002 directing all departments, bureaus, government-owned and controlled corporations (Goccs), government financial institutions, LGUs, and state universities and colleges to promote and conduct relevant activities during the annual observance of the NDPR Week. (Press Release)
(July 24, 2006 issue)
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