City gov’t ensures PWDs will not be left behind
As the government mounted a multi-sectoral response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Population Office (Popcom) also ensures that a large proportion of the population of people living with disabilities will not be left out.
During this challenging period, the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are not only often at increased risk of health complications, but they also need special support and economic empowerment.
To remove the barriers that prevent them from participating in their communities and from getting the right information, a Gender and Development- Violence Against Women (GAD-VAW) orientation among PWD mothers of Barangay New Pangasinan was spearheaded by the City Popcom to discuss to them their rights for social justice, effective inclusion, equality of opportunities and decent work.
Meanwhile, in the current health crisis, stress, loss of income and isolation may aggravate the risk of violence against women. To prevent and tackle the violence against women among PWDs, Population Officer II Janet T. Demonteverde focused her topic on GAD-VAW and its mental well-being to send a strong message that violence will not be tolerated among the vulnerable sector.
On the other hand, City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena vowed to empower the PWDs thru the provision of livelihood opportunities. Part of his commitment is to make Barangay New Pangasinan a pilot barangay through the establishment of a PWD friendly facility.
Also, part of their visit is to ensure that all qualified PWDs in the said barangay can obtain an ID after submitting supporting documents. By virtue of Republic Act No. 10754, registered PWDs can enjoy a 20% discount and VAT discount and exemption to value-added tax to go with a 5% discount on basic necessities and prime commodities and free use of express lanes in commercial and government transactions.