LEGAZPI CITY, May 15 (PNA) — Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bicol are complaining of non-implementation of various programs that would give privileges and benefits to PWDs.
Rizalio Sanchez, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Information, Education and Communication Division chief, confirmed the sentiments of the PWDs, saying that despite the standing policies laid down by the Magna Carta for PWDs, government agencies are still below par in implementing programs that would improve the lives of PWDs.
Sanchez, in an interview, cited as “weak performers” the Departments of Public Works and Highways, Health, Transportation and Communication, Social Welfare and Development, Trade and local government units (LGUs).
He said these agencies need to further improve their services in giving and protecting the rights and privileges of PWDs in the areas of health, accessibility, political, telecommunication, and social services.
Sanchez said PWDs always complain of discrimination in seeking employment and education scholarships.
He said government agencies need to check establishments and transport carriers if they are giving 20-percent discounts on transportation fare and purchase of medicines and food, similar to the privileges given to senior citizens.
The non-granting of discounts to PWDs are the frequent complaints received by his office, Sanchez said.
Among other complaints are the lack of structural facilities such as building signage, walkways and spaces for PWDs in public utility jeeps, buses, trains and sea vessels.
Citing statistics, Sanchez said that of the country’s 100 million population, 15 percent or 15 million are PWDs.
He said that in Bicol, with a 5.42-million population, using the benchmark of 15 percent, is estimated to have over 800,000 PWDs, including 75,000 in Legazpi City.
Sanchez said the PWD population is significantly increasing due to the increase in number of persons entering the senior citizen age bracket, saying that as a person reaches the age 60, some of them suffer mental, physical or sensory impairment making them PWDs.
Sanchez was a resource person during the forum on “How to Handle PWDs in Tourism Industry” on Thursday at the Oriental Hotel Legazpi hosted by DOT and NCDA. (PNA)