Gov't To Implement Policy On Job Equality For PWDs - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are now assured of sustained government assistance after the recent signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Executive Order 417 (EO 417) or the Economic Independence Program for PWDs.

First issued by then President Gloria Arroyo in 2005, EO 417 offers equal opportunities to PWDs in being economically competent like able-bodied persons. It also mandates all national government agencies and state-run corporations to allot at least 1% of their annual budget for programs that will benefit PWDs. (READ: Seeing life from both sides)

“EO417 shall open opportunities for PWDs and make them productive and be part of the sustainable development of the country,” said Emer Rojas, president of the New Vois Association of the Philippines and sector representative at the NAPC.

Empowering PWDs

In the newly signed IRR, all government-related offices and state-run corporations shall observe the rights of PWDs to self-development and self-reliance. (READ: Empower PWDs)

The policy also mandates that one official in every agency shall be assigned as the focal person responsible for planning and implementation of this policy. 

These offices must also reserve at least 1% of all positions for PWDs and avail of at least 10% of required goods and services from PWDs.

Rojas described this as a win-win solution for both the government and the PWDs.

“[The] government will also benefit from this because this will unburden the state from providing funds that will otherwise go to welfare services and donation to PWD organizations,” Rojas said in a press statement. (READ: PWD face tough time at polls)

The government shall also provide training programs to give PWDs access to employment opportunities, funding, and market for PWD-produced goods and services. All national and local offices must reserve display places for the PWD products in their offices. (READ: PhilHealth disability benefit package)

Unused government buildings, provided they passed safety standards, shall also be temporarily utilized as work centers of PWDs.

Economic divide

Even as the country is consistent in increasing economic growth since the start of the Aquino administration, poverty continues to get worse as 25% of Filipinos are still poor. (READ: SWS: More poor and hungry Pinoys)

Unemployment rate also increased to 12.1 million during the last quarter of 2013.

PWDs are affected by this economic gap as they do not have equal access to services that able-bodied people enjoy, according to Manuel Agcaoli, president of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, an non-profit organization assisting PWDs. (READ: A long way to go for special education)

“That is why we are so grateful that the government has taken this step and we hope that it would help a number of our constituents to break free from poverty and become independent despite their disability,” Agcaoli added. – Rappler.com/New Vois Association of the Philippines