PWDs in Mandaue to get bigger aid

CEBU, Philippines - Starting this year, financial aid to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Mandaue City will be raised to P1000 following a significant increase in the city’s tax collection.

Five days ago, at least 2,000 organized PWDs received their P500 yearend financial aid. During a brief ceremony at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, Mayor Jonas Cortes announced that the city will be giving 50 percent more starting this year.

During his State of the City Address (SOCA) last December 19, Cortes said the city was able to collect a total of P973, 663, 414.60 worth of taxes.

The city’s tax collection for real property and business improved by 13 percent each, respectively, while collection for community and occupational  tax improved by 25 percent and 88 percent, respectively.

To help PWDs further, Cortes announced that the city will be hiring PWDs. The mayor also asked the City Council to pass an ordinance requiring companies in Mandaue City to source part of their manpower requirement from PWDs.

“Our aim is to empower the sector and help them become productive members of society,” Cortes said.

Michael Pielago, president of the Mandaue City Federation for the Welfare of PWDs welcomed the announcement, saying PWDs in the city will soon engage livelihood projects like t-shirt and mug printing using equipment donated by the city.

A massage clinic will also be opened at their center located at the compound of the City Welfare and Social Services (CSWS). — /JMO