Makati city government hires persons with disabilities

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government has started hiring persons with disabilities (PWDs) for various positions at the city hall.

City spokesperson Gibo Delos Reyes said 25 PWDs were recently hired for work that require them to perform advocacy works that promote the rights of PWDs as provided under the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons or Republic Act 9442.

Those hired consists of seven casual employees and 18 “under job contract” employees.

Delos Reyes said the hiring of the PWDs for city hall work shows that the administration of acting city Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña values the contribution of PWDs as partners in city-building.

“The Peña administration values our PWD sector as an important partner in city-building. In fact, the acting mayor intends to expand our services to them by offering short courses at the University of Makati, as well as livelihood trainings and advance courses in computer applications. These will help empower them to achieve their full potential despite their disability,” he said.

Delos Reyes added that the latest benefits given to PWDs would strengthen Makati’s stature as a two-time winner of the Apolinario Mabini Award for being a PWD-friendly local government unit.

To date, there are over 6,000 registered PWDs in the city who enjoy the privilege of watching movies for free in the city’s upscale cinemas. Free mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and crutches are also given to the less privileged PWD, while the deaf and mute of working age are being assisted by the city Public Employment Services Office through its Job Placement Program. 

They are also given priority in parking areas and store lanes, discounts in food outlets, drugstores and other establishments, and fare discounts on the Metro Rail Transit, Light Rail Transit, provincial buses and local transport groups.

Meanwhile, PWD groups hailed the decision of the Makati City government to provide employment for PWDs at the Makati City Hall.

“Nagpapasalamat kaming lahat sa aming hanay sa napakagandang oportunidad na ipinagkaloob ni Mayor Peña. Dahil sa kanya, magiging masaya ang Noche Buena ng aming mga pamilya. Higit sa lahat, ramdam namin ang aming halaga sa komunidad, kahit kami’y may kapansanan,” said Makati PWD Federation president Errol Barba.