Rama OKs PWDs PHP7,000 Aid Hike

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has approved an ordinance increasing the annual financial assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the city from PHP5,000 to PHP12,000.

Rama signed City Ordinance (CO) 2456 authored by Cebu City Councilor Eugenio Gabuya, which grants PHP12,000 annual financial assistance to qualified PWDs, similar to the amount that qualified senior citizens are receiving yearly.

The city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) said some 12,000 PWDs in the city will benefit from the PHP7,000 increase.

They are now getting only PHP5,000 in yearly assistance from the city.

Rama, in his letter sent to the City Council, said the DSWS should be the one to draft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the distribution of the cash aid to avoid abuse.

The IRR will provide clear outline as to qualification and manner of distribution, among others.

Rama, earlier, said the increase should not be given across the board and should be based on the severity of one’s disability.

Cebu City Federation of Persons with Disabilities (CCFPWD), earlier, said they would prefer that all qualified PWDs will receive PHP12,000 no matter what their disability is.

Danny Omayan of CCFPWD said it will greatly help PWDs, especially those with maintenance medications since most of them are not employed.

Every year, the city allots PHP144 million for this program, charged under DSWS.(PNA) JBP/EB/EDS