TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Tabuk City’s Special Concerns and Coordinating Office (CSCCO) presided over the first Persons with Disability (PWD) City Council Quarterly Meeting on January 17, 2025, in the City Hall Conference Room.
Rain Sarol, representing Councilor Lucretina Sarol, presented a proposed amendment to Ordinance No. 04 Series of 2017 also known as “Magna Carta For Persons With Disabilities, In Tabuk City For The Provision Of Holistic Support Services,”
The amendment aims to strengthen the city’s implementation of RA 7277, often known as the “Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.”
Key focus areas include more scholarship opportunities, improved accessibility to various institutions, community support, and stronger protection of PWDs’ political and civil rights.
Perlita Bag-ayan of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) reported on the office’s accomplishments for 2024, which include the issuing of 446 PWD Identification Cards, 441 medical booklets, financial aid for 400 PWDs, educational assistance for 112 students, and the distribution of assistive gadgets.
For 2025, their office has been given a budget of PhP4 million, which will support several initiatives, including livelihood, educational, financial support, and sign language instruction.
Helen Lacuesta, the City Local Government Operations Officer, commended PDAO’s work, pointing out that they had a 99% functionality rating.
To receive a perfect score of 100%, they need only to build the suggested tactile tiles from the main entrance of the city hall to the PDAO office.
The meeting highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between government agencies and PWD groups to ensure equal opportunities and support for all PWDs in the city. By Edward Joseph Gacuya