BAGUIO CITY – The city has several ordinances and resolutions when it comes to protecting and enhancing the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Summer Capital.
This was disclosed by councilor Arthur Allad-iw, chair of the august body’s committee on PWDs, during the Orientation on Sensitivity and Awareness on the Rights of PWDs seminar Wednesday at the City multi-purpose hall in celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.
Allad-iw revealed that among the adopted ordinances he authored include those institutionalizing the conduct of annual disability-related activities or celebrations in the city; requiring all barangays to maintain a PWD desk or council; and supporting the conduct of extensive medical services exclusively for women with disabilities.
Another is an ordinance requiring a notice of 20 percent discount and exemption from payment of the Value Added Tax, whenever applicable, granted to PWDs under RA 7277, as amended, to be displayed in noticeable places inside public utility vehicles, public and private medical or dental facilities, drug stores, hotels, restaurants, theaters and other covered service and business establishments.
He has filed a proposed ordinance establishing a community-based rehabilitation training and diagnostic center for PWDs in the city, adopting a comprehensive program and other purposes.
His approved resolutions include encouraging all government offices, agencies or instrumentalities holding office or with building located within the territorial jurisdiction of the city to strictly comply with BP 344 or the Accessibility Law that requires certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices that will enhance the mobility of PWDs.
Another strongly urges all government agencies, offices or corporations and other covered private establishments/offices to observe and implement RA No. 10524 or an act expanding the positions for PWDS, amending for the purpose RA No. 7277, as amended, or the Magna Carta for PWDs and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Allad-iw also authored an approved measure urging banks to allow visually impaired persons to open individual or group accounts.**gaby keith
