THE Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) was recreated from Office of Persons with Disability Affairs (OPDA) by the Iloilo City Council on May 22.

PDAO was created to support the Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as Magna Carta for Disabled Persons which provides that persons with disabilities (PWDs) shall be given rehabilitation, opportunities, self-improvement and self-reliance to prepare them for full integration into the mainstream society.

PDAO was made to formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and services for the welfare of PWDs.

Councilor R Leone Gerochi, author of ordinance, said PDAO has been in operation for some time already but it was created through an executive order.

He said the national law requires that City Government should establish by ordinance a formal or institutionalized PDAO so that regardless of whoever sits as mayor, this office will still be in effect and will not be easily abolished without legislative action.

The ordinance provides a sustainable mechanism by which to uphold, promote and protect the rights and welfare of PWDs, adopting measures for them to avail the privileges and incentives provided by law ensuring that they are made more proactive, responsible and productive stakeholders of society. (PR)