Makati PWDs seek equal opportunities

It was a gathering that enabled the persons with disabilities (PWD) sector in Makati City to air a long list of concerns and needs that have long been overlooked.

At the city’s first PWD Congress held last Wednesday, participants emphasized the need to be provided equal opportunities and benefits, such as those accorded senior citizens, both at the national and local levels.

For one, the congress participants noted the increasing difficulty in coping with today’s high cost of living, Marjorie de Veyra, head of the city’s Social Welfare Department, said in a statement released by the city government.

The city government noted that the Mag-na Carta for Disabled Persons (Republic Act 7277) does not accord PWDs with the same privileges given by the Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act (RA9275) to senior citizens, such as discounts in pharmaceutical stores, public transportation, medical facilities, recreation centers, and food outlets.

The participants also requested the city government to grant them similar privileges given to Makati’s senior citizens, such as the solo card under the Yellow Card program, free burial assistance for indigent PWDs, free movie entrance in all Makati cinemas, and incentive allowances.

The PWDs also made an "urgent appeal" for the strict implementation of the Accessibility Law in the city. The law states that there should be accessibility of offices and business establishments for PWDs, such as safe ramps leading to doors.

Moreover, the participants noted the generally little educational assistance and job opportunities, as well as inaccessibility of public transportation due to lack of designated seats for PWDs and loading and unloading zone for them.

Partial results of an ongoing survey to establish the number of PWD residents in Makati showed that there are almost 1,000 PWDs in 23 out of 33 barangay in the city.

As one of its first responses to the needs of PWDs, De Veyra said the city government will facilitate the distribution of Philhealth cards to enable them to immediately avail of the program’s benefits.

For his part, Mayor Jejomar Binay acknowledged the needs, concerns, and proposals of the PWDs and that these will be considered in the formulation of the comprehensive plan of action by the city government.

"The PWDs’ wish list drawn up at the congress, which contains their first band comments and suggestions, has given us a reliable basis in formulation and implementing long-term programs and services fully attuned and responsive to their to prevailing needs," the mayor said. — Nikko Dizon