DSWD-7 Advocates Laws Benefiting PWDs

The Department of Social welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII has stepped up the information drive and advocacy of the laws that benefit the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

According to Ms. Daisy Lor, Social Welfare Officer III and the focal person for PWD and Youth sectors, the DSWD Region -7 has strengthened its campaign and advocacy of these laws so that PWDs, local government units, non-government organizations and the public will know about it.

“By knowing and understanding the provisions of the laws, PWDs will be guided on how to avail of the benefits and what are the benefits and privileges due them,” said Ms. Lor.

In 2016, DSWD-7’s information campaign was done through radio guesting, consultation dialogue with media and orientation to officers of the PWD organizations.

Lor said that one of the laws that the agency focused on its campaign is Republic Act No. 10524 or an “Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, which was signed on June 17, 2016.

“RA 10524 provides PWDs more access to employment opportunities. The law says that at least one percent of all positions in government agencies, offices or corporations shall be reserved for PWDs On the other hand, private corporations with more than 100 employees are also enjoined to reserve at least one percent of all positions for PWDs,” said DSWD-7 Regional Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre.
She said her office is encouraging government and private agencies, corporations and companies and other business establishments to hire more PWDs.

“We have Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) here in Region 7. AVRC is a vocational training center operated and maintained by the DSWD since l974, which serves persons with physical and social disabilities like the visually impaired, physically handicapped, negative hansenites, mentally challenged, and other disadvantaged sector,” explains RD Macapobre.Director Macapobre said the center aims to maximize the residual capacities of PWDs through assessment and guidance, social adjustment, medical, vocational training and placement services as well as bring maximum functioning of PWDs for their eventual integration into the community.“With AVRC, we have been able to provide opportunities for PWDs to become productive and gain employment,” added Director Macapobre.

This year, AVRC II in region 7 has served a total of 206 PWDs. This year also, 9 trainees on massage therapy passed the licensure exam for therapists.

The Republic Act No. 10524 has amended the Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.
Republic Act 9442, an Act amending Republic Act 7277, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities and for other Purposes; Republic Act 10754, an Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability; and Republic Act 10070 Act Establishing an Institutional Mechanism to ensure the Implementation of Programs and Services for Persons with Disabilities in every Province, City and Municipality,. . .amending RA 7277. (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons)” were also included in the information drive and advocacy effort.