PERSONS with disabilities (PWD) need extra attention especially in conflict areas, Mindanao Association of Muslims with Disabilities (Mamdi) President Allan Rasman said on Wednesday, July 19.
“Daghan nabiyaan, kailangan jud i-care ang mga PWD labaw na sa warn torn areas. Lisud kaayo para sa ilaha. Naa ju’y PWD nga nangamatay. Ingon sa Bangsamoro news, more or less 10 to 15 Moro nga PWDs ang nangamatay atol sa giyera (Many are abandoned, there is a need to attend to PWDs, who are in conflict areas because it is so hard for them. Bangsamoro news reported that more or less 10 to 15 PWDs have already died due to the war),” he said.
Mamdi, Rasman said, recently partnered with other Muslim leaders from Davao and agreed to deliver donations to Marawi.
“We coordinated with the Sultanate and Deputy Mayor and Civil Society Organizations to give help, not just to the PWD but also the non-PWD who are now in Marawi City,” he said.
Rasman said that three PWD members from Cotabato, who recently transferred to Davao City as they found the city a more suitable home.
A parent of a PWD in Iligan also recently inquired if they can transfer to Davao City, Rasman said.
“Gusto daw nila nga ang ilang anak nga with disability matagad (They want that their child with disability will be given attention),” Rasman said.
Rasman said that their association is currently composed of 350 members from Davao City and they have also have organized other areas Davao City and were able to assign representatives in specific areas.
Mamdi aim to establish data banking of all the PWDs in Mindanao, including PWDs in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, who were deprived of government services.
He said that he already sought help from the United Nations for funding of the project.
Last 2014, Davao of Labor and Employment, has given them P380,000 worth money to buy five sewing machines, and it is currently used by about 50 members of their association for livelihood purposes.
Some of their products are currently being displayed at the City Council Ground floor until Friday, July 21, as part of their participation to the 39th National Disability Awareness Week. (KVC)