20% off on meds, groceries for PWDs

CEBU, Philippines - Two thousand persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Mandaue City can now avail of a 20 percent discount each time they buy medicines and groceries.

They can avail of the discount once they show the purchase booklets given to them by the city government. The booklets bear the signature of Mayor Jonas Cortes.

The city, through the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS), distributed the printed purchase booklets through the presidents of the 28 chapters of the Federation for the Welfare of PWDs, which includes the Mandaue City Blind Association.

The The city allotted more than P300,000 for the printing of 4,000 purchase booklets. The other 2,000 booklets will be distributed through the barangays to PWDs who are not members of the federation.

As provided by Republic Act 9442, which amended Republic Act 7277 or the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons,” all PWDs can enjoy the privileges enjoyed by senior citizens.

Cortes said PWDs “play a vital role in the development programs of the city.” In fact, the city government has employed many of them in the CSWS office and in different barangay centers.

Michael Pielago, president of the federation, said the gesture of the city government will “really boost the morale” of PWDs in the city. Mandaue has pioneered this kind of service. Many local government units remain unaware of the law providing such benefits.

During the ceremonial turnover of the purchase booklets, Pielago asked his colleagues to observe diplomacy in asking for the discount.

CSWS already informed owners of drugstores and department stores in the city about the discount for PWDs. The office will also hold a symposium on Republic Act 7277 “to iron out any kinds and for any clarification.” /JMO (THE FREEMAN)