TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Special Concern and Coordinating Office (CSCCO), as a newly organized caretaker of the sector of persons with disability (PWD) in the city, has conducted an orientation on RA 7277 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons on August 5, 2022, at Dagupan West Gym.
The event aimed to make the PWDs aware of their rights and privileges especially on health, employment, education, auxiliary social services, accessibility, and political and civil rights.
One of the benefits offered to them is the PWD discounts that apply to commercial enterprises. Some businesses, though, don’t appear to understand the rules and refuse to honour their rights.
According to RA 10754, PWDs who are registered and in possession of PWD ID and other needed certifications are entitled to a 20% discount and 12% Value Added Tax exemption for medicines, dental and medical consultation. The ID is also useful on land transportation, lodging, resort and restaurants, funeral and burial services, and a 5% discount on certain goods intended for PWDs like foods, diapers, milk, etc…
Moreover, RA 11228, according to Perlita Bag-ayan, PWD staff at the CSCCO, provides PWDs Mandatory Phil Health Coverage, with exclusive packages that will address their specific health and development needs, among others.
The activity is the City’s way to address the PWD’s needs, enhance and introduce new skills, boost their self-esteem, and give them the confidence to fit in the society. “Rumwar tayo kitdi ta ipakita tayo nga haan gapu ta adda hindrance ket agpatpatingga tayo. Dakami ti instrumento nga mangiduron kanyayo nga agimprove ken amwen dagiti karapatan tayo nga nu maminsan ket maliplipatan,” said Bag-ayan.
The CSCCO also discussed the PWD membership application process. To apply for PWD membership, the applicants and their guardians must bring the following documents to the CSCCO office near the former COMELEC building: A copy of applicant’s birth certificate; 1×1 ID photo and medical certification with a Doctor’s License Number, signed by a doctor, explaining the exact categories of applicant’s handicap.
Additionally, PWD officers of Dagupan West were chosen during the event, and Punong barangay Santiago Soto administered their oath of office.
By Rio Dongcayan Bassong
