This week, the Philippines would be celebrating the 28th National Disability and Prevention Week (July 17-23) with the theme "Kalikasan Pangalagaan: Kapansanan Maiiwasan". The week's events are spearheaded by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) (formerly the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) by virtue of E.O. no. 709 last Feb. 26, 2008 renaming it to NCDA)
I think many of the Filipinos know that we have this kind of event (Not until I heard it over a radio program in DZMM, 'Consumer At Iba Pa.'). I was also kinda surprised that statistics shows that 10% of the 90 million Filipinos are disabled or the more politically correct term according to the United Nations, "persons with disabilities" or PWD. This include physical disabilities (blind, deaf, mute) and mental disabilities (autism, mental retardation).
Out of the 10%, only 2% of PWDs get the necessary treatment or rehabilitation services. One of the reasons is that most of PWDs are in the far-flung areas where a mix of no access to government services and superstitions are the main reasons. It is still widely believed in the provinces that once you had a child that is disabled, you are being punished for the wrongdoings that you have done and that your child is cursed. That is why the parents of these children would choose to hide them. But it is also interesting to note that some believe it is a gift of luck to have a child with disability.
As we all know, studying in special schools requires a lot of money, especialy those who are hearing-impaired or blind. Although some public schools are now offering special education classes, these are not enough to reach those who are in the provinces. We may have a lot of other problems to address but basic social services like these for our PWDs should be given.
Although, this would again bring up the question of what our government's priorities are.
And one piece of information I got was that since last year, PWDs can now avail of the 20% fare discount previously given only to senior citizens and students. Just go to your municipal or city social welfare officer to get an ID.
And as my final word, I would rather call our PWDs as "handi-capable." (as Mr. Joey Lina would call them) Well, because most of them are much capable of doing a lot of things unlike 'normal' persons. I just hope that they are given the chance to prove themselves. I applaud Filipino companies like Lamoiyan Corporation for employing hearing-impaired people in their workforce.
More power to the Filipino PWDs. Serve the PEOPLE.
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