ILOILO – The province has around 30,000 persons with disabilities (PWDs). How effective is the implementation of the laws that give them protection and importance?
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), under the leadership of Ma. Sarah Barayuga, together with Ann Rapunzel “Rara” Ganzon, Social Welfare and Development Officer IV and Focal Person for PWDs of PSWDO, is encouraging all 43 local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo to give importance to the well-being of PWDs.
Dec. 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“We walk the talk and we strengthen the laws protecting and giving importance para sa aton PWDs, especially sa implementing sang mga law nga naga-govern sa ila,” Ganzon emphasized this for all local chief executives (LCEs) and municipal social welfare and development officers during a Panay News interview on Wednesday morning, Nov. 29.
Ganzon mentioned that the 43 LGUs, including establishments, should grant the 20 percent discount for PWDs under Republic Act (RA) 10754, which expanded the benefits and privileges for PWDs and was signed by the late former President Benigno S. Aquino III.
Under RA 10754, persons with disabilities shall be entitled to:
1. At least 20% discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), if applicable, on the following sale of goods and services for the exclusive use and enjoyment or availment of the PWD:
* On the fees and charges relative to the utilization of all services in hotels and similar lodging establishments; restaurants and recreation centers
* On admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses, concert halls, circuses, carnivals and other similar places of culture, leisure and amusement
* On the purchase of medicines in all drugstores
* On medical and dental services
* On fares for domestic air and sea travel
* On actual fare for land transportation travel
* On funeral and burial services for the death of the PWD
2. Educational assistance to PWD, for them to pursue primary, secondary, tertiary, and post-tertiary, as well as vocational or technical education, in both public and private schools, through the provision of scholarships, grants, financial aid, subsidies, and other incentives to qualified PWD, including support for books, learning materials, and a uniform allowance to the extent feasible.
3. Provision of express lanes for PWD in all commercial and government establishments; in the absence thereof, priority shall be given to them.
Ganzon explained that it is within the jurisdiction of the LGUs to monitor the compliance of establishments.
“Kon tan-awon naton, ang pag-strengthen sang pagsunod sang aton laye dapat nga ang effort magahalin sa LGUs. For instance, kon may establishment nga wala nagapati sang layi, iya na i-call or responsibility ni LGU in partnership with MSWDO,” she added.
Ganzon is also reminding of the effective compliance of LGUs and establishments, among others, with Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, or An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments, and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices, signed by the late former Ferdinand Marcos on February 25, 1983.
“In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to participate fully in the social life and the development of the societies in which they live and the enjoyment of the opportunities available to other citizens, no license or permit for the construction, repair, or renovation of public and private buildings for public use,” stated in the act.
It added: “Educational institutions, airports, sports and recreation centers and complexes, shopping centers or establishments, public parking places, workplaces, and public utilities shall not be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof shall install and incorporate in such building, establishment, institution, or public utility such architectural facilities or structural features as shall reasonably enhance the mobility of disabled persons, such as sidewalks, ramps, railings, and the like.”
If feasible, all such existing buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities to be constructed or established for which licenses or permits have already been issued may comply with the requirements of this law, provided, further, that in the case of government buildings, streets, and highways, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways shall see to it that the same shall be provided with architectural facilities or structural features for disabled persons. In the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions, buildings, establishments, or public utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled persons.
In cases of public conveyance, devices such as the prominent display of posters or stickers shall be used to generate public awareness of the rights of the disabled and foster understanding of their special needs. Special bus stops shall be designed for disabled persons. Discriminating against disabled persons in the carriage or transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful.
Most LGUs in Iloilo are PWD-friendly
“Kon the whole province in general, I’d like to believe nga majority naga-follow,” Ganzon said.
Although she added that there is still a possibility that some LGUs and establishments do not 100 percent implement the laws for PWDs’ rights and benefits.
As part of its efforts, the provincial government hosts the Search for PWD-Friendly and Inclusive Municipality/City, which gives recognition to LGUs with good and well-maintained programs, projects, and initiatives for PWDs.
Among the criteria included: allotting an annual budget for PWDs; having programs and projects for PWDs in place; having a proper venue in the community to voice concerns; having ramps and special lanes for PWDs; having designated comfort rooms and parking spaces for PWDs; and giving the appropriate discounts on products and services, among others.
Six LGUs were finalists for this year’s search: New Lucena, Leganes, Pototan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and Tigbauan.
The Top 3 for the Search for Most Persons with PWD-Friendly and Inclusive Municipalities were the following:
* New Lucena – grand champion; received P50,000 and plaque of recognition
* Leganes – first runner-up; received P30,000 and plaque of recognition.
* Pototan – second runner-up; received P20,000 and plaque of recognition.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. earlier said equal treatment for PWDs is only achieved if they are included in the programs and projects of the provincial government.
“We want you to live normal lives, and we will focus on the programs and projects of the province like you are one of us. In that way, we were able to achieve our objectives,” Defensor said.
“We will adjust our lives para mabuligan naton sila. In other words, gina-adjust naton ang aton pang-gobyerno kag aton programa para mahatag kag malab-ot ang gusto naton —nga magsinarayo kag mangabuhi nga kaupod sila, pareho lang kita tanan.”/PN
