A CEBU City councilor has filed an ordinance seeking to provide persons with disabilities (PWDs) equal privileges and opportunities.
In the proposed measure “Enhancing the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities (PWD) within Cebu City,” Councilor Jerry Guardo said PWDs should have access to opportunities for suitable employment and easy access to public buildings and private establishments.
Qualified disabled employees should have the same employment terms and conditions, compensation, privileges, fringe benefits, incentives or allowances as other employees, he said.
They must also be provided with benefits and conditions of employment, including career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions.
They must also be provided with amenities, facilities and other devices necessary to their employment and mobility.
Guardo also called on the Cebu City Government and private companies to employ PWDs, and that the number of PWDs should be at least two percent of their total employees.
As for private corporations, establishments and institutions with more than 100 employees, the number of employed PWDs should also be at least two percent of all the positions available.
Guardo said it is the policy of the State to facilitate access of PWDs to labor market information, capacity-building programs and wage employment.
“It is the policy of the State to recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others and to participate fully into the mainstream society,” said Guardo.
In a separate proposed measure, Councilor Lea Japson is seeking to establish the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) that will be tasked to ensure that policies, programs and services for the PWDs are implemented.
At present, there are 9,986 PWDs registered with the City Government and are receiving the P1,000 monthly cash assistance from the City.
The office will be headed by a PDAO officer who will be appointed by the mayor.
“The head of the PDAO shall be appointed to serve the interest of PWDs and shall not be removed or replaced except for reasons of death, permanent disability or ineffective performance of his/her duties to the detriment of fellow PWDs,” a part of the ordinance read.
Both Guardo and Japson’s proposed ordinances were referred to the committee on laws for review. (JJL)