A proposed ordinance, once enacted, will grant students with disabilities and their dependents a 20% discount on school fees for both public and private educational institutions from elementary to college, including technical-vocational schools.
Authored by Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Rhey Mananeng, the proposed ordinance aims to make education more accessible by reducing financial burdens on families with Persons with Disabilities (PWD) members. Further, it reflects the provisions of Republic Act No. 1075 (An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs) and seeks to ensure equal opportunities for PWD students to pursue education by addressing the additional costs they often face due to their disabilities.
Under the ordinance, to avail of the 20% discount, a PWD student must present a valid PED ID issued by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and a medical certificate confirming the disability.
For students dependent on a PWD, they must present proof or relationship to the PWD such as a birth certificate or a barangay certificate, a valid PWD ID of the PWD parent/guardian, and a certification from PDAO confirming the dependent status.
Institutions found in violation will be subject to fines and other penalties as determined by the city government.
The proposed ordinance was approved on its first reading by the Baguio City Council on January 13, 2025 and was referred to the Committee on Education, Culture, Creativity, and Historical Research for review. **Jordan G. Habbiling
