Makati involves PWDs in disaster reduction efforts

MANILA, Philippines - With the theme “No One Gets Left Behind: Living with (Dis)ability and Disaster”, the Makati City government aims to inform and engage persons with disabilities (PWDs) in disaster reduction efforts.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said it will be the first time for Makati to extensively involve all persons with disability in disaster risk reduction.

“We want to empower our vulnerable groups in the city and we would like to make persons with disability as partners in our disaster resiliency activities,” he said.

“I sincerely believe that those in the PWD sector have much to contribute to mitigating the impact of disasters, and should not be viewed merely as victims during disasters,” he added.

Binay said the PWD sector will comprise the bulk of the participants in activities laid out for the city’s IDDR celebration this year, including a symposium and poster-making contest, among others. Entertainment numbers will also be performed by PWD groups during the day-long celebration.

To date, Makati has 4,476 registered PWD residents, according to the records of the Makati Social Welfare Department – PWD Section.

Makati PWDs continuously enjoy the unique privilege of watching movies for free in the city’s upscale cinemas. Free mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and crutches are also given to the less privileged PWDs, while the deaf and mute of working age are being assisted by the city Public Employment Services Office through its Job Placement Program.

PWDs are also given priority in parking areas and store lanes, discounts in food outlets, drugstores and other establishments, and fare discounts on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), provincial buses and local transport groups.

Makati has actively participated in the UN International Day for Disaster Reduction that focuses on on different themes and stakeholders each year.

The first time that Makati celebrated the event was in 2010 with the theme “My City is Getting Ready!” during which it sponsored a “Symposium on Reducing Risks in Health Sector.”

The youth and children were the focus of the 2011 celebration with the theme “Making Children and Youth Partners in Disaster Risk Reduction”, and the women and girls in 2012 with theme “Role of Women and Girls: the [In]visible Force of Resilience.”

Prior to last year’s celebration, a series of workshops had been conducted for women in the barangays in order to heighten their awareness in disaster resiliency and management. - Mike Frialde