DSWD pushes for more PWDs employment

The Department of Social and Welfare and Development (DSWD) has called for the stronger implementation of a law requiring government agencies and the private sector to allot one percent of their positions for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Acting Social Welfare Secretary Virginia Orogo noted that Republic Act 10524, which amended a provision of the Magna Carta for PWDs, seeks to provide equal opportunity employment for PWDs by reserving some positions for them.

“No person with disability shall be denied access to opportunities for suitable employment. A qualified employee with disability shall be subject to the same terms and conditions of employment and the same compensation, privileges, benefits, fringe benefits, incentives or allowances as a qualified ablebodied person,” read the law.

“At least one percent of all positions in all government agencies, offices or corporations shall be reserved for persons with disability… Private corporations with more than one hundred employees are encouraged to reserve at least one percent of all positions for persons with disability,” it added.

Orogo stressed the need to break the culture of discrimination against PWDs.

“In a society where people prioritize a fast-paced work environment, one of the sectors that often experience exclusion and discrimination are the PWDs. We need to break this stereotype because PWDs are one of the productive members of the Filipino labor force,” she said.

“It is stated in the law that we need to ensure that PWDs are provided the equal employment opportunities and this could be done by creating an enabling environment for them to enhance their skills and overall well-being,” the DSWD official added.

In addition to pushing for employment in government agencies and the private sector, the DSWD said it also provides skills training for PWDs in its non-residential facilities.

For the half of the year, the agency said it has already provided support to over 671 PWDs at the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center and Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop in Quezon City; Area Vocational Rehabilitation Centers in Dagupan, Cebu and Zamboanga, and the Center for Handicapped in Cotabato.

These facilities provide programs and services such as social, medical and psychological services, livelihood and vocational skills training, job placement, sheltered employment and capability building activities geared toward the socioeconomic independence and productivity enhancement of PWDs.

“The DSWD is focused on providing programs and services to respond to the needs of the PWD sector,” Orogo said.