Bataan seniors, PWD employment priority seen

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — The provincial government here on Tuesday revealed that it has passed an ordinance mandating establishments and government agencies to give employment to senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Bataan.

The ordinance was passed by Governor Joet Garcia after deliberations with vice Governor Cristina Garcia and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“The ordinance says that is unlawful for these establishments-private and government agencies in Bataan not to accept these SCs and PWDs from employing them provided they possess mental and physical fitness,” said Provincial Board secretary atty. Mark Quezon.

Provincial ordinance 1, Series of 2023 or the “Bataan Senior Citizens and PWDs Workforce Integration ordinance” states that it is the policy of the provincial government to promote the well-being of the elderly and PWDs.

The ordinance — authored and sponsored by SP members Jomar Gaza and noel Joseph valdecanas and was unanimously passed by members of the provincial board in the three districts of Bataan — is seen to improve lives of senior citizens and PWDs, including their families and communities.

It also cited that the provincial government will provide full support for the improvement of the total well-being of senior citizens and PWDs and their full participation in society.

“It is the objective of this ordinance to maximize and strengthen their job opportunities by penalizing discrimination, implementing capacity-building programs and providing incentives for compliant employers,” said the vice governor.