The Central Luzon Federation of Persons with Disabilities (CLFPWD) urged the government to craft policies, permanent Disability Affairs Officers and sustained livelihood and education programs.
The group, composed of advocates and leaders of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Central Luzon, asserted the rights of PWDs, noting the recent shift from the term rehabilitation to rights, in accordance with Proclamation No. 597, Series of 2024.
During the Regional Celebration of 47th National Disability Rights Week, the group said that PWDs have rights, and advocating for their welfare is the responsibility of the state.
"There is a need for continuous networking with government agencies due to the absence of an internal federation budget. We do not have our own funds. But we are continuously working with agencies. We are strengthening our ranks to continue our advocacy for the livelihood, jobs, and talents of PWDs,” said Mary Ann Zamora, CLFPWD president.
Aside from funds, the group expressed concern over the limited access to higher education for deaf and hard of hearing students in the region, noting that most of them are forced to travel to Manila for sign-language inclusive programs.
Another is the discontinued peer counseling and independent living training under the Department of Health, which it said had been instrumental in restoring confidence and emotional healing among PWDs, especially those who acquired disabilities later in life.
To boost disability inclusion efforts in Central Luzon, the CLFPWD continues to rely on partnerships with agencies and stakeholders to sustain its advocacy.