PB pushes for sports activities for PWDs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board is requesting all component cities and municipalities of the province to come up with sports activities for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

In its regular session yesterday, the PB approved the resolution authored by Board Member Arleigh Sitoy giving “full support to the improvement of the total well-being of PWDs and their integration into the mainstream of society.”

In his resolution, Sitoy said that it is the duty of the local government units to promote the development of PWDs to heighten their moral values.

LGUs were once called by a PWD group as the number one violators of Accessibility Law, a law for PWDs.

Approved in 1983, the accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa 344 requires certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices to enhance the mobility of PWDs. These include sidewalks, ramps, railings, and restrooms made to specifications that aid PWDs.

Sitoy said it would be highly appreciated if the LGUs would support the law by engaging PWDs into sports.

“It would encourage PWDs to participate in activities that enhance their physical fitness and overall well-being,” said Sitoy.

The PB also approved Sitoy’s resolution requesting the province’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to coordinate with the Committee on PWDs of Cebu in conducting a job fair exclusively for PWDs during the celebration of PWD Month in July.

The province has passed Ordinance No.2011-02 declaring the month of July as “Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Month” in Cebu. The ordinance seeks to highlight the triumphs as well as the plight of Filipino PWDs.

PB also approved another resolution of Sitoy requesting the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to conduct special training for PWDs in Cebu. (FREEMAN)