Roble offers free boat ride to PWDs

CEBU, Philippines - The municipal government of Hilongos in Leyte is giving persons with disabilities a free ride from the town to Cebu on board the Roble Shipping Lines.

Hilongos Mayor Jose Emery Roble whose family owns the shipping company announced the good news during the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Celebration at the Hilongos Gymnasium last Saturday. Among the guests was Alice Severino of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

"Each one of you special people (PWD) will be issued a long -term pass that will be honored by all passenger ships of the company wherever their port of origin," Roble told the participants.

"Upon hearing the privileges due (unto) them under R.A. 9442 which amended R.A. 7277 - Magna Carta for disabled persons and for other purposes, I decided that today is the proper time to let them know that this administration cares," Roble said.

The mayor said he is even planning of bringing all PWD's in the town to a tour in Cebu.

Mayor Roble was also moved by the revelation of Marta Villafañe, President of ADAP (Association of Differently-abled Persons), that more often than not, buses and other PUV will not stop upon seeing her waiting a ride on her way to work. Thus, he ordered for the immediate review of the group's office functioning structure and told another PWD woman to report for a shipping ticketing job. He also encouraged ADAP to include school children who are differently-abled in the organization. ADAP has 70 members.

Under R.A. 9442, persons with disability are entitled to avail of several discounts in education, transportation, basic commodities among others. They too are protected from public ridicule. - THE FREEMAN