VM Atienza welcomes PWD employees, pushes for inclusive governance
Courtesy of the Office of the Manila Vice Mayor/Facebook page
Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza welcomed new employees from the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) sector to Manila City Hall, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive governance.
Endorsed by the Public Employment Service Office-Manila (PESO-Manila), the newly hired PWD employees will take on various administrative and support roles within the Office of the Vice Mayor.
Atienza personally welcomed the new hires, underscoring the city’s active efforts to create a more inclusive and empowering work environment.
"I want to show to all that we are capable of and committed to giving meaningful employment to our brothers and sisters," said Atienza. "When we welcome them here, we are not just giving them jobs—we are telling them that they are valued, welcomed, and an integral part of our city.”
Atienza noted that the initiative is not only about employment but also about dignity, empowerment, and recognition of the PWD sector’s potential. She shared that her personal connection to the community, having grown up with two siblings with disabilities, has fueled her advocacy.
"I know their potential, and I am excited to see them thrive here," she added, encouraging the new employees to see this opportunity as a stepping stone toward greater personal and professional development.
Through this initiative, the Vice Mayor also hopes to inspire private companies and other institutions to adopt inclusive hiring practices and open more doors for PWDs across different sectors.
Atienza also focused on broader livelihood efforts as she met with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque to explore programs that would support local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through DTI’s Small Business Corporation (SB Corp).
“We believe the most sustainable way to alleviate poverty is to empower our people with the right livelihood and opportunities,” Atienza said following the meeting.
She added that Manila is eager to partner with DTI to bring national programs closer to grassroots communities in the city.
As a strong advocate of inclusive economic growth, Vice Mayor Atienza’s dual focus on PWD employment and MSME development reflects her broader goal: building a city where no one is left behind.