Mabalacat Association of Persons with Disability

Our Father in Sign Language:

1 Comment »Filed under: Our Father | Tags: Our Father, prayer

Philippine National Anthem in Sign Language:

No Comments »Filed under: Philippine National Anthem | Tags: Philippine National Anthem

NDPR Week 2009 – July 17 – 23, 2009

July 17, 2009 – Visit SPED classes at Mabalacat Elementary School at 9:00 AM with Hon. Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales, Hon. Vice Mayor Prospero T. Lagman and SB Members and the Jollibee mascot.

July 20, 2009 – 2:00 PM, Celebration of NDPR Week 2009 at the Provincial Capitol. An Abilympics will be held at SM Pampanga.

July 21, 2009 – 7:00 AM, Motorcade from Puregold Dau to Xevera Clubhouse to stimulate public awareness and support on disability issues.  PWD IDs will be distributed to PWD who have already registered.  Assessment by DOH personnel will held for PWD who have not yet registered.

July 22, 2009 – Visit SPED classes at Mawaque Resettlement High School at 9:00 AM with Hon. Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales, Hon. Vice Mayor Prospero T. Lagman and SB Members and the Jollibee mascot.

July 23, 2009 – Visit SPED classes at Dau Central Elementary School at 9:00 AM with Hon. Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales, Hon. Vice Mayor Prospero T. Lagman and SB Members and the Jollibee mascot.

No Comments »Filed under: ACTIVITIES · NDPR Week 2009 | Tags: disability issues, NDPR, PWD IDs

Filipinos with disabilities may now avail of discounted medicines and other health related services!

The Department of Health (DOH) recently issued Administrative Order No. 2009-0011 detailing the guidelines for the provision of medical and related discounts and special privileges to persons wtih disabilities pursuant to Republic Act No. 9442 , an act amending the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (R.A. No. 7277).

Under the said Administrative Order, persons with disabilities are entitled to a 20% discount in the purchase of branded and unbranded generic medicines from all establishments dispensing medicines for the exclusive use of persons with disabilities; and 20% discount for the cost of medical, dental and rehabilitation services, diagnostic and laboratory fees in service wards and sections of government health facilities in accordance with Clinical Practice Guidelines or Hospital Treatment Protocols and in all private hospitals and medical facilities.

Other discounted services include psychological or developmental tests in service wards of government hospitals; and speech therapies or services in all private hospital and medical facilities.

In the same administrative order, persons with disabilities who are not yet non-paying PhilHealth members may become PhilHealth members if they are sponsored or enrolled by their respective Local government Unit (LGU) or voluntarily enroll themselves as individually paying members.

To avail of the discount, a person with disability must present his//her identification card issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or by the Local Government Units (LGUs) where he/she resides. In addition, a purchase booklet issued by the LGUs to persons with disabilities for free shall be presented every time a purchase of medicine is made.

1 Comment »Filed under: DOH Issues Guidelines on Medical Discounts to Persons With Disabilities · GUIDELINES · Medical Discounts · NEWS | Tags: DOH, medical discounts, persons with disabilities

To all Filipino Persons with Disabilities (PWD), here is another good news! The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved the special five percent (5%) discounts of the regular retail price on all basic necessities and prime commodities.

Following the Republic Act 9442 otherwise known as Amended Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, the DTI together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) issued a joint Administrative Order 2, Issue 2008 granting special discounts to all PWDs.

As defined on the order, “basic necessities” refers to rice, corn, bread, fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh eggs, fresh and processed milk, infant formulas, fresh vegetables, root crops, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergents, firewood, charcoal, candles and other commodities as may be classified by both the DTI and DA.

The discounts can be availed on any retail stores including supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores and sari-sari stores. In order to receive this discount, a PWD must present his/her:

1. PWD ID issued by their local governments;
2. Purchase Booklet (also issued by the local governments)

To know more about these privileges, kindly download the Administrative Order in PDF format here.

No Comments »Filed under: DTI Approves 5% Discount for PWD on Basic Commodities | Tags: Department of Trade and Industry, Laws on Disability, Magna Carta for the Disabled Persons, RA 9442, Special Announcements Tags: Department of Agriculture

Leaders of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) together with some officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) dicussed in the DTI office in Makati City the special benefits and discounts for Persons with Disability.

The PWD sector led by Mr. Lauro Purcil and Mr. Manuel Agcaoili discussed the joint administrative order by the DTI and DA. This was on the Implementing Rules and Regulations on the Grant of Special Discounts to Persons with Disability on the Purchase of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities pursuant to Section 32 (j) of Republic Act 9442 also known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

The joint administrative order which is still pending due to some expected revisions was based on the Senior Citizens Act. The primary objective of this is that every person with disability shall enjoy a special discount of five percent (5%) of the regular retail price of basic necessities and prime commodities.

In order for the PWDs to avail the said privileges, they must present their identification card (ID) issued by the local government unit where he/she resides. The problem with this is that not all local government units (LGU) especially those in the rural places were aware about the PWD’s Magna Carta. “The problem when it comes to the ID matter is that not all city or municipal governments issuing the said thing. Here only in the Metro Manila, only few cities were issuing ID cards for PWD: Makati City, Marikina City, Quezon City and the City of Manila.

Agcaoili also noticed that the discounts were only available in big time shopping malls and groceries and hardly found in public markets, talipapa (small markets) and sari-sari store (variety stores). “Most of the PWDs do not come from rich families. Majority of them belong to the less fortunate ones, so their appeal to the DTI to inform the owners of the sari-sari store they must also follow in accordance with the said Magna Carta.

The stores which give discounts to the senior citizens and the PWDs are given tax credits by the government via the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). However, the BIR does not give tax credits to the store owners and so they do not give any discounts anymore. “Discounts like this were benefits given by the government and should be imposed properly. The private sector only supports what the government really wants. Wag na po nating pahirapan ang may kapansanan, hirap na po sila” [Don’t let the person’s with disability to suffer more, they were already suffering at the moment], Mr. Agcaoili added.

Then DTI assures that the discounts can be availed nationwide by the PWDs. Some towns especially those in rural areas have not been properly informed yet. And this has resulted in confusion among sellers.

1 Comment »Filed under: Special Discounts for Persons with Disability | Tags: discounts, pwd

Resolution No. 2004-214

GUIDELINES IN THE CONDUCT OF LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS FOR PERSONS WITH DISALIBILITIES (PWDs)

WHEREAS, Section 7 (b) of R.A. No. 8981 empowers the Commission to make such rules and regulations and issue such orders and other administrative issuances as may be necessary in the execution and implementation of its functions and the improvement of its services.

WHEREAS, as a general rule, all examinees shall be treated equally as ordinary examinees.

WHEREAS, there are persons with disabilities (PWDs) such as those with hearing and vision impairment (deaf and blind), physical disability (polio victims, with crutches or on wheel chair), and speech impairment (mute), who are allowed to take the various licensure examinations.

WHEREAS, the Commission finds it necessary to provide guidelines in the conduct of licensure examinations for PWDs.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission RESOLVED as it hereby RESOLVES to issue and promulgate the following guidelines in the conduct of examinations for PWDs:

1. The Application Division/units in the Central Office and Regional Offices shall immediately inform the Commission and the Examination Division of PWDs taking any licensure examination.

2. During the examination process, the Examination Division/Regional Offices shall render the following treatment to the PWDs as follows:

a. Blind examinees shall be assigned inside the Examination Division or in a room near the Building or Floor Supervisor in the Central and regional test centers.

a.1 A Room Watcher designated by the Chairperson or in the case of the Regional Offices, by the Regional Directors, shall be assigned to assist the blind examinee in filling up the data on the Examinee’s Identification Sheet per information provided by the blind examinee.

a.2 The Room Watcher shall read twice the test questions to the examinee and shall mark the answers of the examinee on the Answer Sheets.

a.3 The entire proceedings shall be recorded using the tape recorder and blank tapes which shall be provided by the examinee. The recorded tapes shall be submitted to the Rating Division for safekeeping and future reference.

a.4 A Certification shall be issued by the Room Watcher that the marked letters are the answers of the examinees based on the recorded proceedings.

b. Other Vision-Impaired Examinees such as those with low vision but can still read the test questions shall be treated as an ordinary examinee but will be allowed to sit near the window or where there is proper illumination in the room.

c. Physically handicapped examinees (polio victims, with crutches or on wheelchair) shall be assigned at the ground floor or at the lowest floor in the test center together with other ordinary examinees.

d. Deaf and/or mute examinees shall be given written instructions in the accomplishment of examination forms. Assignment of interpreters shall not be allowed.

3. The Commission may adopt procedures as may be applicable to examinees with other kind of disabilities not covered in this Resolution without compromising the integrity of the licensure examination.

This Resolution shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Done in the City of Manila this 13th day of May, 2004.

(signed)
ANTONIETA FORTUNA-IBE
Chairperson

(signed)
AVELINA A. DE LA REA
Commissioner

(signed)
LEONOR TRIPON-ROSERO
Commissioner

1 Comment »Filed under: DISABILITY LAWS · PRC Resolution No. 2004-214 | Tags: Licensure Examination, PRC

MALACAÑANG

Manila

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 417

DIRECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs)

WHEREAS, it is a policy of the State under the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines to protect the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and promote their welfare and development;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, also affirms and mandates the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance, and integration of PWDs into the mainstream society;

WHEREAS, the General Appropriations Act explicitly provides funding mechanisms for programs and projects of PWDs and their organizations from at least one percent (1%) of the total yearly budget of all National Government Agencies and instrumentalities including Government Financial Institutions and Government owned and controlled corporations;

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 240 on the Philippine Decade of Disabled Persons 2003-2012 further instructs all Heads of Departments, Chiefs of Bureaus, Offices, Agencies and Instrumentalities of the National Government, Local Government Units to implement plans, programs and activities geared towards the development of PWDs;

WHEREAS, the National Anti-Poverty Action Program and the Administration’s 10-Point Legacy Agenda target the delivery of services to and the development of the marginalized basic sectors, such as PWDs;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Implementation of the Economic Independence Program for Persons with Disabilities – All national government agencies including government owned and controlled corporations are enjoined to support and cooperate in the implementation of the Economic Independence Program for PWDs

SECTION 2. Enhancement of the Social and Vocational Skills Capabilities of PWDs – In order to develop and enhance the social and vocational skills capacities of PWDs:

1. 1. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall develop and implement a national social preparation program that will deal on moral values and work ethics of entrepreneurs with disabilities;
   2. The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall continually develop a system of equivalency to ensure PWDs’ access to employment and entrepreneurship;
   3. The TESDA shall develop and implement relevant unified training programs, basic organizational and entrepreneurial skills that eventually make PWDs self-reliant and not a burden to society;
   4. The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) shall develop and implement programs to promote coop organizing and development among PWDs.

SECTION 3. Markets for Products and Services of Cooperatives of PWDs and other Organizations of PWDs Engaged in Livelihood – In order to ensure markets for products and services of PWDs, their cooperatives and other organizations engaged in business:

1. 1. All Government Agencies, Bureaus, Offices, Instrumentalities, State Universities and Colleges, Government Financial Institutions and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations shall employ PWDs whenever applicable. Local Government Units are also enjoined to employ PWDs whenever applicable.
   2. The same are to avail of the services of cooperatives of PWDs and organizations of PWDs by procuring at least 10% of their requirements of goods and services, where possible and applicable. All local Government Units are also enjoined to do the same.
   3. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), shall develop and implement marketing promotion and product development and to come up with a database of PWD organizations and a directory of PWD products and services. All government offices, national and local, are also herewith enjoined to reserve a displace space for PWS products and services in their respective offices upon request and where appropriate.
   4. The Philippine Information Agency shall create promotional programs on the positive image of PWDs focusing on the ability and not on the disability.

SECTION 4. Accessible Work Centers. – In order to provide accessible work centers with adequate equipment in strategic areas especially near export processing zones or economic zone areas for viable endeavors by PWDs:

1. 1. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) shall conduct an inventory of unused government buildings for free temporary usage as work centers for PWDs.
   2. The DSWD shall facilitate post-identification activities, including assisting PWD organizations to source equipment and other operational assistance. It shall also enhance the implementation of its existing social and vocational rehabilitation training centers and sheltered workshops.

SECTION 5. Capital for Livelihood Programs. – To ensure continuous source of capital for livelihood programs for PWDs:

1. 1. The Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), Quedancor, National Livelihood Support Fund shall make available funds for the credit requirements of eligible PWD cooperatives and organizations, as well as develop other financial services where viable.
   2. The PCFC shall enjoin its affiliated microfinance institutions to open programs for PWD entrepreneurs and promote the development of microfinance schemes designed for PWD micro-enterprises.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations, Guidelines, Financial and Work Plans. – To ensure effective implementation of the Program:

1. 1. The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) shall be the lead agency to formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Executive Order in consultation with stakeholders and which shall be prepared within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Order.
   2. Concerned agencies shall formulate their respective guidelines and shall include in their annual work and financial plans, programs, activities, and plans in compliance with this Executive order and its implementing rules and regulations as may hereinafter be issued.
   3. NAPC shall exercise policy oversight functions in the implementation of this Executive Order.

SECTION 7. Reporting. – To ensure periodic reporting on the development and implementation of economic development programs for PWDs:

1. Concerned government agencies shall submit, at least on a semi-annual basis, reports on the implementation of Economic Independence Program for PWDs to the NAPC and the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons.

SECTION 7. Effectivity – This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 22nd day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Five.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary

No Comments »Filed under: DISABILITY LAWS · Executive Order 417 |

Kiangan, Ifugao – The Municipal Early Childhood Care and Development Coordinating Committee (MECCDCC) sponsored a two day training-seminar to Barangay Health Workers, Day Care Workers, parents and families of children with disabilities (CWDs) last March 1-2, 2007. According to Municipal Mayor Albert Indunan, the prevalence of children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, mental retardation and sensory impairments in the municipality is at an alarming rate. Based on records, a total of 10% of its population of about 15,000 is affected with a number of cases still unreported. The seminar is in support to the ECCD’s objective to provide early identification, intervention and referral to developmental disorders and disabilities. With this, the training aimed to educate the community on the causes and possible interventions for disability. This initiative will hopefully contribute to the development of CWDs into productive adults and members of the society and to capacitate families and service providers in caring for them.

The Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) in coordination with the Stimulation Therapeutic Activities Center (STAC), an NGO member of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities (RSCWPWD) served as Resource Persons.

Highlights of the training included the orientation of the community on the developmental stages of children from zero to six years of age and the roles and responsibilities of the community by Ms. Angelie Tabuno, Regional ECCD Coordinator of CAR. The facilitators from STAC: Ms. Maria Liza S. Garcia, Physical Therapist; Ms. Fleurdeliza B. Nawew, Special Education Teacher; Mr. Sonny Jim Sali, Occupational Therapist discussed the various categories of disabilities, causes, manifestations and symptoms, prevention and intervention for disabilities.

The advocacy for parents to subject their children for New Born Screening, a clinical test conducted from blood samples of newborns at a certain stage and time to identify potential metabolic disorders that may cause disability, mental retardation and even death was stressed during the sessions.

The training also provided an actual demonstration of therapeutic exercises to rehabilitate and strengthen the physical or sensory impairment of the CWDs. The training of DCWs on special education and behavioral modification techniques opened learning opportunities for CWDs in the day care centers. These contributed to the empowerment of and capacitating the CWD to develop personal esteem in improving their lives independently. Generally, the participants developed a better understanding on the misconceptions and discrimination of the society towards disability caused by cultural beliefs and traditions, wrong upbringing and ignorance.

The results of the training further inspired the municipality led by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO), Ms. Tina Talosig to push through with the proposed establishment of a Community–Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and SPED Centers, intensify networking and linkaging for financial and rehabilitation assistance, as well as localize an organization of PWDs who will lobby for services and benefits.

2 Comments »Filed under: Municipality trains community on management of children with disabilities (CWDs) · NEWS | Tags: children with disabilities, CWD

The Makati City government will officially launch the Person with Disability (PWD) Transport ID Card Plus tomorrow and will be distributed to 2,353 qualified recipients at the Makati City Hall Quadrangle.

Makati Social Welfare Development (MSWD) chief Marjorie de Veyra said the PWD Transport ID Card Plus entitles cardholders to receive fare discounts at the Metro Rail Transit, Light Rail Transit, provincial buses and jeepneys in Makati. Additional benefits for cardholders are still being negotiated.

“Initially, the ID will offer discounts covered by national laws. We are studying other means that will enhance the services extended to disabled persons in Makati,” De Veyra said.

The distribution will be followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding to be led by Mayor Jejomar Binay, Director Catalina Fermin of the National Council for the Welfare of the Disabled Person, Director Honorita Baydan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region, and to be witnessed by the PWD Federation, local transport groups, and other stakeholders of the PWD Transport ID Plus.

Binay said the project, spearheaded by the MSWD aims to extend assistance to the city’s disabled citizens.

He noted that the project is backed by City Ordinance No. 2006-016, which is in accordance with Republic Act 7277 or the Magna Carta for the Disabled Persons.

“It will grant incentives and benefits to PWD cardholders up to 59 years old,” Binay said.

PWD aged 60 years and above are already qualified for the national ID card for senior citizens.

No Comments »Filed under: Makati to launch identity cards for the disabled · NEWS | Tags: Magna Carta, makati, person with disability, pwd, Republic Act 7277, social welfare