PWDs enlist in Mandaue's special voter registration

CEBU, Philippines - Some 100 persons with disabilities turned up at the Mandaue City Social Welfare Services Office last Sunday to register in a special voters' registration in preparation for the 2016 national elections.

The activity also coincided with the provincial government's celebration of the PWD month.

Because of this, Mandaue City government has decided to accommodate Comelecs' memorandum, which mandates its local offices to hold special voter's registration for PWDs.

"It is important for PWDs to be registered because PWDs also have the right to suffrage. It's our way of contributing to nation-building," said Michael Pialago, a PWD focal person.

Last year, Pialago said, about 200 PWDs were able to register during the special voters' registration.

The CSWS was chosen as the venue of the registration for their convenience since the Comelec office is located at the second floor at the back of the City Sports and Cultural Complex.

Also, the city will kick off the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week this coming July 14.

Pialago said livelihood exhibits and a sporting event for PWDs called Paralympics are among the highlights of the celebration. The exhibits will be held at the City Hall plaza.

Pialago also said officials will present the mission and vision of the City's Office of the Differently Abled Persons Affairs to the more than 2,000 city-registered PWDs.