DSWD is protecting the welfare of PWDs

Dear Ms. De Guzman:

This refers to your column item entitled, “The disabled-ignored and discriminated” which was published on June 6, 2011. In your column, you mentioned that “this is where DSWD has failed. We are ignorant about the different people in our society who need help, thus, we tend to discriminate them.”

Thank you for taking time to write about Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their situation as it raises society’s awareness on this sector.

May we humbly share with you that the DSWD protects and promotes the welfare of PWDs through its community-based and center-based programs and services which are designed to make them productive members of society.

The DSWD maintains non-residential facilities for PWDs, such as the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop and the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center in the National Capital Region, Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Regions I, VII and IX, and the Center for the Handicapped in Region XII.

In these centers, PWDs are provided with livelihood and vocational skills training, as well as job placement for their socio-economic independence and productivity. Some of the courses offered for PWDs include Scientific Massage, Handicraft, Tailoring/Dressmaking, Watch Repair, Computer Repair, Canteen Management, and Daily Living Skills.

The DSWD also assists the PWDs in finding jobs appropriate to their skills, interests and qualifications. These are through open employment, self-employment or sheltered employment.

Apart from their welfare, the DSWD likewise promotes and upholds the rights of PWDs by ensuring the full implementation of laws like Accessibility Law, the Magna Carta for PWDs, Republic Act 10070 or the Public Affairs Disability Office Law. The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the DSWD, is on top of monitoring the implementation of these laws to ensure that PWDs are not discriminated. It has organized an inter-agency advocacy committee composed of representatives from the business group, media, non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and other government agencies, to help in advocating disability – related matters in their respective sectors.

Likewise, we are exerting our persuasive coordination with local government units for the establishment of Persons with Disability Affairs Office and the assignment of a Person with Disability Officer who will represent PWDs in meetings of local development councils and other special bodies; disseminate information on programs and activities for PWDS, and conduct training and access PWDs to employment opportunities.

While we have made steps to advance the plight of PWDs, we believe that much remains to be done for them. On this, we are pursuing premium efforts in government together with committed citizens, groups and organizations, for the welfare of this sector.

On behalf of Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, we thank you for bringing these issues and concerns to our attention. Rest assured that we shall address these and update you accordingly.