spot_img
29 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Overhaul PWDs council—solon

- Advertisement -

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has made a proposal to reorganize the National Council on Disability Affairs  to better address the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities.

Senate Bill No. 108, or the proposed National Commission on Disability Affairs Act, seeks to reorganize the Council into a Commission and institutionalize the agency’s mandate of addressing the needs and concerns of our PWDs.

“This bill is envisioned to better equip the Commission in data collection, needs identification and policy formulation for the benefit of PWDs from all over the country,” said Zubiri.

“With the proper support and assistance, we believe that they can be integrated and empowered to be productive citizens of this nation. As one of the happiest people in the world we should strive to help our PWDs to lead meaningful and happy lives to the fullest extent possible,” he added.

Results of the National Disability Prevalence Survey  showed that in 2016, around 12 percent of Filipinos aged 15 and older experienced severe disability. Almost one in every two (47%) experienced moderate disability while 23 percent experienced mild disability. Almost one-fifth (19%) experienced no disability. In this survey, the disability prevalence rate corresponds to the percentage of persons with severe disability.

- Advertisement -

Under the proposed measure, the commission shall be the national government agency to formulate policies and coordinate activities of all agencies, whether public or private, concerning disability issues and concerns.

It shall also be the lead agency tasked to steer the course of program development for persons with disabilities and the delivery of services to the sector.

Representatives from government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority  and Commission on Higher Education   shall sit as members of the Commission, together with representatives from the private sector.

The Commission shall also have Regional Directors for every region who shall oversee and supervise activities of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office established by the local government units.

- Advertisement -

LATEST NEWS

Popular Articles