Manila LGU to include minors with disabilities in cash aid distribution

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan announced that the city government will soon include minors with disabilities (MWDs) in its list of cash aid beneficiaries.

The mayor's announcement is pursuant to Ordinance 8991, which was passed by the Manila City Council recently and principally authored by Third District Councilor Fa Fugoso.

“This ordinance will lessen the burden on the families of minor PWDs and make these children happier. The listing and verification will fall under the supervision of the Manila Department of Social Welfare,” said Councilor Fugoso in her sponsorship speech.

Under the ordinance, more than 2,100 MWDs in the city will receive a P500 monthly allowance.

Lacuna-Pangan has directed Manila Department of Social Welfare head Re Fugoso to compile the list of necessary documents required for implementing the plan.

She thanked the Manila City Council led by Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto and all the other MCC members who supported the inclusion of MWDs in the list of those covered by the city's social amelioration program (SAP).

According to Nieto, Ordinance 8991 was passed last Sept. 19, amending Ordinances 8565 and 8756 which granted the same allowance to adult persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, solo parents, and students from the two city-run universities in Manila.

Under the measure, all registered PWDs aged 59 and below will be entitled to a P500 monthly if they have been residing in the city for the last six months.

They must also be registered voters of Manila except for the minors.

The parents of the minor beneficiaries, she said, must, however, be registered voters in the city.