Even without PWD offices, LGUs can help disabled persons – CHR

While not all local government units (LGUs) have set up their Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), they can be active in helping persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their localities.

Commissioner Beda A. Epres of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) discussed the LGUs role in the enforcement of Republic Act No. 10070 that created the PDAO during the 71st pre-sessional working group of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

RA 10070 seeks to promote and protect the welfare of PWDs by helping their rehabilitation, self-development, and integration into mainstream society.

However, not all LGUs have established their PDAOs in their localities, Epres said.

Even without the PDAO, Epres said that there are more aspects to the law in which people can use to help support PWDs.

"More than the establishment of a PDAO, the law includes provisions to support organizations of PWDs, and develop programs that promote the health, physical fitness, and the economic and social wellbeing of PWDs, which facilitate the empowerment of the sector," he said.

PWDs are those who have orthopedic disabilities such as polio, amputees, and hunchbacks. Those who have visual disabilities (blind), communication disabilities (deaf, mute, harelip), and learning disabilities (Down syndrome, ADHD) can also be classified as PWDs, Epres said.

Even those who have psychosocial disabilities (those who are insane or bipolar) and those with intellectual disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy are also classified as PWDs, he added.

Epres was appointed to CHR last Sept. 15 by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

In its statement after Epres’ appointment, the CHR said: “CHR is optimistic that Commissioner Epres will continue to contribute in making the Commission a steadfast and formidable institution that caters to all people, especially the weak, vulnerable, and marginalized, and in responding to the present and emerging human rights challenges of our time.”

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