PWDs urged to assert rights, privileges

PERSONS with disabilities (PWDs) in Negros Occidental are urged to assert their rights and privileges to prevent prejudice.

In line with the observance of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, officials of concerned government agencies said many PWDs are still facing challenges in their accessibility and mobility as some of the establishments are not complying with the law protecting their rights.

Under the law, at least 20 percent discount shall be given to PWDs on the purchase of medicines in all drugstores, medical and dental services, including diagnostic and laboratory fees, and transportation fare.

Establishments should also have at least one percent of their workforce comprising PWDs.

As mandated by the law, PWDs are also protected from public ridicule and discrimination. Violators will be penalized.

Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Emilia Monicimpo said PWDs should be “vigilant about this and demand for their privilege.”

Monicimpo said PWDs should take note of the service provider or establishment for their non-compliance so that appropriate authorities can act on it.

She said they have rehabilitation services for DOH-maintained hospitals wherein PWDs can avail of programs like physical exercises.

She added that DOH has also capacitated localities to put up a community-based rehabilitation program.

Mae Buaron, senior trade and industry development specialist of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Occidental, said it’s mandated by law for public and private sectors to hire PWDs.

She urged PWD federations in the province to submit to the DTI their names with their capabilities and skills for possible job opportunities.

“So we can also recommend them (PWDs) to our clients,” she added.

Buaron also said a PWD employee is exempted from paying withholding tax.

Every other week, the DTI is also conducting trainings on entrepreneurship for PWDs, she said.

Elena Serenias, head of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said that in Negros Occidental, there are 20,735 registered PWDs, including 11,482 males and 9,253 females.

She said the Provincial Government has allocated P1.5 million for the implementation of programs intended for the PWDs.

These include assisted devices like wheelchairs, crutches and canes worth P203,000; capacity building and skills training like food processing and t-shirt printing, P351,800; livelihood programs like photocopiers and ID lamination machines, P350,000.

There are five PWDs working at the Provincial Government, Serenias added. (Marchel P. Espina/ SunStar Bacolod)