A lawmaker on Saturday called on the 20th Congress to prioritize a bill that would create local employment centers to help persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens find jobs and upskilling opportunities.
Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said the measure aims to support employable PWDs and elderly citizens who face barriers such as discrimination, lack of training, and limited access to job information. “Disabled persons and seniors who are fit to work can become productive members of our economy if given the chance,” he said.
Under the bill, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will set up Local Centers for Inclusive Employment (LCIEs) at the request of LGUs in capital towns and strategic areas. These centers will coordinate with employers to gather job openings for PWDs and seniors.
The LCIEs, which will function as PESO units, will also provide information on job trends, training, and career assistance. They will link with DOLE regional offices and the central office to maintain a national registry of PWD and senior manpower.
Citing 2022 data, Yamsuan noted that only 353,000 of 1.9 million working-age PWDs were employed, and just 38.2 percent of 2.54 million qualified senior citizens had jobs. He said the bill supports President Marcos’ goal of promoting equitable opportunities and special interventions for these vulnerable sectors.
