DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional director Gemma Gabuya is urging persons with disabilities (PWDs) to voice out their demands and exercise their rights in the community.

In front of hundreds of PWDs in Bataan during the provincial celebration of the 40th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, Gabuya emphasized the importance of voicing out their concerns.

“As the sector of PWD, you have the right to demand your needs and when you demand, you should have a unified voice,” she said.

Gabuya also stressed the role of government offices in providing social and economic services through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

“PDAO is your major right that will serve as your face and voice in the community,” Gabuya said.

PDAO refers to an office created in pursuant to Republic Act No. 10070 to ensure the implementation of programs and services for PWDs in every province, city and municipality.

“The Department of the Interior and Local Government has already committed to issue a general advisory for all mayors and governors to institutionalize PDAO,” Gabuya furthered. (PIA Central Luzon)