President Marcos made the persons with disabilities (PWDs) felt seen during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday when he vowed to enforce enhanced policies and economic opportunities for the sector.
“Our PWDs can rest assured of the government’s effective implementation of beneficial policies and programs that will guarantee equitable opportunities, special interventions, and incentives for them,” he said.
Mr. Marcos made the announcement in time for the 160th birth anniversary of ‘sublime paralytic’ Apolinario Mabini on Tuesday, July 23, which concludes the National Disability Rights Week.
Mabini was widely regarded as a revolutionary leader in Philippine history despite his physical disability. He was paralyzed from the waist down due to polio.
“Since this administration began, we have initiated livelihood programs dedicated to our PWDs,” the President claimed. “Next year, the PhilHealth will launch benefits for children with disabilities,” he added.
Mr. Marcos also said his government almost doubled the discounts granted to PWDs and senior citizens for basic necessities and prime commodities.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “SONA 2024: Marcos assures PWDs of better opportunities under his government.”
