TABUK CITY, Kalinga– People with disabilities from Barangay Casigayan were, today, the focus of the City Special Concerns and Coordinating Office (CSCCO).
At least 20 people with various disabilities came to the orientation with the help of their guardians and carers to be reminded of their rights and privileges, according to Perlita Bag-ayan of the CSCCO.
As a PWD herself, Bag-ayan cautioned parents of disabled children not to keep them inside the home because they are still a part of mainstream society and to take care of their urgent needs.
“Despite the limitations brought by their disability, PWDs can still do what normal people can,” she told the participants.
Bag-ayan also delved on the different classifications of disability, and the process of registration of PWDs at the CSCCO.
RA 7277, also known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, was discussed in detail by Alexa Mae Barerra of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), who also emphasized that only persons with disabilities who have registered with the CSWDO are eligible to use the law’s various services, including a 20 percent discount on food, transportation, and prescription drugs, to name a few.
Barrera emphasized that providing duplicate aid is banned, therefore a crippled senior person cannot acquire a PWD identity card because the benefits for PWDs aged 0-59 and the elderly are the same.
Glen Wansi, the City Special Concerns and Coordinating Officer, reaffirmed that his office will continue to provide social pensions, medical care, and educational help for PWDs with the backing of the Estrañero administration.