The Quezon City government held a rights orientation for persons with disabilities (PWD) led by the city’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office (QC-PDAO) on Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Tandang Sora National High School covered court in Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
The QC-PDAO conducted the information drive to educate PWDs on their respective rights and the existing policies and programs of the city government that cater to their needs.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte spearheaded the orientation along with District 6 Councilor Marivic Co-Pilar, District 6 Councilor Eric Medina, and village chiefs Emmanuel Banjo Pilar of Pasong Tamo and Victor Bernardo of Culiat.
The PWDs were educated on the benefits they can receive from the city government that they can access by registering and availing of their QC-PDAO identification (ID) cards from the PDAO main office.
Under Republic Act (RA) 10754, the “Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability,” the city government grants PWDs with benefits such as educational assistance, use of express lanes, and entitlement to 20 percent discount and VAT exemption on particular good and services.
The city government is also implementing Resolution No. 5906, Series of 2014, that facilitates the appointment of PWD focal persons as coordinators with PDAO in each barangay in the city.
The city is also prioritizing the implementation of Ordinance No. 2940, Series of 2020, that provides incentives to establishments for hiring PWDs and senior citizens as employees.
The PWDs were also informed of the QC Center for Children with Disabilities (QC CCD) or the “Kabahagi Center” that focuses on helping and empowering children with disabilities (CWDs) and their respective families.
The QC Kabahagi Center works to provide free healthcare and livelihood services to CWDs and their families such as rehabilitation, and parent training with hands-on therapy.
Belmonte noted the importance of including PWD communities in the city government’s plans and initiatives and in ensuring that their specific needs are met.
She added that the city government will continue to create and implement progressive and inclusive policies to promote a more “PWD-friendly” city. (Khriscielle Yalao)