THE proposed ordinance increasing the monthly subsidy for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Davao City is now under review by the City Legal Office, according to the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (Pdao).
Pdao head Atty. Redendo Martinez announced this during the ISpeak media forum at the City Mayor’s Office on Thursday morning, July 4, 2025.
“Ang atoang ginapropose is hopefully ma monthly of P3,000 (What we’re proposing is a monthly subsidy of P3,000),” he said.
Martinez said that the amount reflects the many daily challenges faced by PWDs, such as the need to take taxis instead of public utility vehicles due to accessibility issues. He also noted that many PWDs either lack proper assistive devices or need replacements.
He expressed hope that the ordinance would be passed within the year and that a higher subsidy could be rolled out by 2026.
On June 18, 2025, the 20th City Council approved on third and final reading the Comprehensive Persons with Disability Rights, Privileges, and Protection Ordinance of Davao City.
Proposed by Third District Councilor Lorenzo Benjamin D. Villafuerte, the measure lays the foundation for a separate ordinance that would establish a subsidy program for PWDs, similar to those provided to solo parents and senior citizens.
"This is a big step for our PWDs daghan tag mga recent ordinances na pasa atong free na magtan-aw sine atoang mga PWDs, establishment of our PDAO, naa namay rights and privileges ang next step natu ani ang subsidy program (This is a big step for our PWDs. We’ve already passed ordinances granting them free movie access and established the Pdao. With this ordinance, their rights and privileges are in place. The next step is a subsidy program)," Villafuerte said in a June 10 interview.
He added that since Davao has fewer registered PWDs than senior citizens, a monthly subsidy is viable. He plans to work closely with the Committee on Social Services and expects the 21st City Council to prioritize the measure.
As of 2024, Pdao has recorded around 34,000 registered PWDs in the city. Martinez attributed the growing number to the Department of Health's recent move to broaden the definition of disability. RGP