IMPROVED services for Persons with Disabilities is being pushed by the local council.
In an interview with Sun.Star Baguio Committee on Employment, Livelihood and Cooperatives and Persons with Disabilities chairman Arthur Allad-iw stated it is high time to push for resolutions which will strengthen and support the rights of the PWDs.
Two resolutions for better service to PWDs are waiting to be reviewed which include requiring all barangays in the City to create a PWD committee and as well as requiring establishments to post a notice of the PWD’s right for discount and tax exemptions.
According to Allad-iw a PWD desk is needed to strengthen the City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office systemize programs and services for PWDs “A PWDs desk or committee will also encourage PWDs to participate in their barangays and the barangays will also have a chance to know more about PWDs residing in their areas.”
The PWD desk will ensure needs of PWDs in their barangays are met and will become a venue for PWDs to share their sentiments in their community.
The PWD desk or committee will be under the Punong Barangay, he will also have the authority to designate a Barangay Kagawad or any other official to be the PWD desk officer.
The PWDDO’s task is to coordinate with PDAO on updates of PWD condition in their barangays; disseminate information on PWD related programs and activities; gather and compile data on PWDs residing in their barangays; monitor and report discriminatory acts committed against PWDs; represent PWDs in meetings and local development councils; and facilitate the issuance of PWD ID cards in their area.
Meanwhile, proposed ordinance on posting notices about PWDs rights to tax exemption and discounts on establishments will allow PWDs to know their privileges “We need to institutionalize the posting of notices so that the PWDs will know their rights at the same time the establishments will not have a reason to deny these PWDs including senior citizens their rights,” Allad-iw explained.
The proposal requires all public utility vehicles; medical and dental establishments; drug stores; hotels; restaurants; theaters and other covered services to post a notice of the 20% discount and exemption from VAT.
The notice should also be written in English with a corresponding translation in Filipino posted in both establishments and public utility vehicles.