Confiscated vendors’ clothes given to Baguio PWD groups

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- Unclaimed used clothes confiscated by the Public Order and Safety Division in its illegal vending operations benefited persons with disability (PWD) associations who used the items for their livelihood.
    People with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) chief Samuel Aquino and POSD enforcers led by Daryll Longid recently turned over stocks of these used clothes to two PWD groups for their livelihood programs.
    Two groups of visually impaired represented by Rita Tabajonda and Ms. Myrna Galutan, respectively received several sacks of used clothes in two separate programs held recently.
    The groups convert the used clothes into rags and sell them for P35 apiece of three for P100 to help in their daily sustenance.
    One of the turn-over programs was witnessed Camp 7 barangay kagawad Susan Habiling and Irisan PWD president Elizabeth Bayla. 
    The used clothes were among those confiscated by the POSD enforcers from illegal vendors.  
    The POSD said owners were given ample time to claim their wares. 
    But those that remain unclaimed after the prescriptive period are stockpiled and later turned over to agencies or offices in need of the items for their programs and beneficiaries upon request.
 

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More than 5,800 PWDs registered in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY -- The Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office reported there are more than five thousand eight hundred registered PWDs in the city who are now enjoying services provided by concerned government agencies, the local government and the private sector.
    PDAO officer Samuel Aquino claimed that this number is expected to increase once the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) will complete the evaluation and assessment of the more than 400 PWDs coming from the various city barangays.
    He claimed that the city government is basing the number of PWDs to the number of PWD identification cards it issued to the members of the vulnerable and marginalized sector.
    He pointed out that the said number of PWDs do not actually represent the factual data of PWDs in the city because there are still families who allegedly refuse to declare their members who are actually PWDs for various reasons only known to them.
    According to him, PDAO personnel in coordination with barangay officials are doing their best to convince the families that have PWD members to come out in the open and declare them so that these PWDs will be documented and will be subsequently issued their respective identification cards for them to be granted the privileges and benefits of PWDs.
    Aquino stipulated that the city respects the decision of the families who refuse to declare they have members who are PWDs but they should realize that they are depriving their PWD member of the benefits and privileges provided by concerned government agencies, the local government and the private sector once their PWD members will be registered and eventually issued their respective identification cards.
    He appealed to the families with PWD members to declare the same so that they will be able to benefit from the various services provided to the PWDs and for them to be part of the numerous interventions given to the PWDs for them to become productive citizens of the society amidst their disabilities.

 

 

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BIR to bizmen: Give 20% discount to seniors, PWDs

By Joshua Walitang

BAGUIO CITY – The Bureau of Internal Revenue told Cordillera establishments to implement the mandated 20 percent discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
    The event dubbed "Senior Citizens Discount Seminar" was organized by the BIR - Revenue District Office No. 8 covering Baguio City under the direction of Revenue District Officer Merlyn DV Vicente.
    At least 235 senior citizens and business owners attended the event on March 29 at Porta Vaga events center.
    The BIR guided business owners on how to compute the 20 percent discounts to seniors and PWDs.
    Although the activity focused on business owners, senior citizens were also reoriented on their rights and privileges as consumers.
    Revenue Officer III Raymond Beding of the RDO-08 Assessment Section RDO-08, defined senior citizen (SCs) referring to any Filipino citizen who is a resident of the Philippines, and who is 60 years old or above.
    It may apply to senior citizens with dual citizenship status provided they prove their Filipino citizenship and have at least 6 months residency in the Philippines.
    He also defined PWDs as those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
    “Disability- shall mean a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical functions of an individual or activities of such individuals; a record of such impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment,” he added.
    SCs and PWDs can be exempted with 20%/ VAT exempt for medicines and drug purchases, medical and dental services including diagnostic and laboratory fees, the fare for land transportation in PUBs, PUJs, taxis, AUVs, LRT, MRT, PNR, domestic air and sea transportation based and advanced booking.
    All that is not mentioned above have 20%/ VAT exemption, queries can be reached through their contact number 0744422328.
    Jenny P. Chomping Revenue Officer II told business establishments to remove the VAT before computing the discount.
“They forget to remove the VAT and when that happens there's a higher chance of billing or there will be a larger total amount the senior citizen will be paying," she said.
On goods such as cigarettes, Chomping said these are not covered by the 20 percent discount in an aim to promote health and well-being of SCs.
Mina Joy O. Tangonan said the BIR will do its best to sustain their information drive on the Senior Citizen Act, specifically the discounts that are granted to senior citizens and other privileges given to them with accurate calculations on the  discounts.
For further inquiries, contact the BIR at 0744422328.

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15 Bontoc PWDs undergo training

By Christy Mae F. Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A total of 15 persons with disability  underwent training on beauty and nail care March 6-11 at the PWD/senior citizens center here at the municipal capitol.
    Municipal Disability Affairs Officer I Maria Codeo said the training aimed to provide essential skills and knowledge on nail care services including opportunities for self-employment to PWDs from barangays in the municipality.
    Codeo added the 15 PWDs from barangays catered to a total of 51 clients who availed of manicure and pedicure services.
    Ella May Passol of TESDA-MP gave a lecture on anatomy and structure of the nail, nail foot and hand disorders, bacteriology and sanitation; equipment and products required; organizing work area, using alternative sanitizer, cuticle treatments; removal of dry and dead skin, nail file, foot and hand massage including nail polishing.

Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr. said in a interview the training was a great opportunity for the PWDs to be equipped with new skills which could be a source of living developing PWDs’ creativity.

Municipal Administrator Arthur Leonard Odsey represented Mayor Tudlong.

The activity was initiated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Mountain Province in partnership with the Bontoc local government through the Municipal Disability Affairs Office and the provincial government.

Also present during the said activity were Executive Assistant Jocelyn Cullaling who represented Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan,Jr., TESDA-MP provincial director engineer Glenn Murphy; senior technical education and skills development specialist and community based training focal person Christine Oliquiano; CTEC Vera Villanueva from PLGU-MP; MSWDO Araceli Shane Bayanos and Jenelyn Caluza. 

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Jobless, Bontoc PWDs trained for livelihood

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Twenty Persons with Disability (PWDs) and self-employed individuals underwent free massage training March 20-24 at municipal capitol so they could earn despite their condition.
    The training involved lectures and demonstrations from physical therapist Irish Farnican-Astudillo and applied what they learned. 
    Participants were also provided supplies including alcohol, massage oil, facemasks, and towels from Technical Education Skills and Development Authority Mountain Province. 
    Engineer Glenn Murphy, Tesda provincial director said the training aimed to capacitate participants with the necessary skills that would qualify them for work. 
    Executive Assistant Jocelyn Culalling who represented Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., said the training was part of government’s commitment to bring services to the community.
    Municipal Administrator Arthur Leonard Odsey represented Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr.
    He thanked partner agencies for the training and providing essential skills to vulnerable sector of the community and self-employed individuals.
    He added the training will open self-employment opportunities to participants.
     The 5-day training was realized with through collaborative efforts of the Tesda Mountain Province, provincial and Bontoc local governments through the Municipal Disability Affairs Office and the Office of the Community Employment Training coordinator.
 

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Artworks by 75 autism students on exhibit in SM

BAGUIO CITY – Sixty artworks by 75 autism spectrum students are being showcased at ongoing exhibit at SM City here.
    City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, councilor and person with disability advocate Arthur Allad-iw and Dr. Myrna     Cabotaje, former DOH Secretary, enjoined the public to take a moment and appreciate the incredible talent and creativity displayed in the Beyond the Spectrum Art Exhibit.
    The exhibit which started on Monday, Jan. 23, and will run up to Feb. 28, is in line with the commemoration of Autism Spectrum Awareness and Consciousness Month and Down Syndrome Awareness and Consciousness Month in February.
    Artists whose works are being featured in the exhibit have been diagnosed with autism and their works reflect the unique perspectives and experiences that come with this condition.
    The arts featured in the exhibit are works of students with special needs from the St. John Paul II Learning Center Inc.
    “It is important to remember that autism is a spectrum, and every individual with autism is unique,” said Magalong.
    “This exhibit is a testament to the diversity of perspectives that can come from this diagnosis, and we hope it will serve as an inspiration to all of us to see the world in new and different ways,” the mayor added.
    “We hope that this exhibit will inspire conversation and raise awareness about autism, and it will encourage us all to be more inclusive and understanding of those who live with this condition,” he said.
    The mayor said that by appreciating the art and talents of individuals with autism, ‘we can help break down stereotypes and misconceptions and create a more accepting and supportive society for all.’
    According to Bea Garma, school principal, the students started their respective artworks from September to December 2022.
    “Their works are based on their abilities, behavior and each art they draw has a nearby story, so can’t be rushed,” said Garma.
    Proceeds from purchased artwork will be used to fund the education of those children on the autism spectrum.

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Tourists using fake PWD IDs; establishments warned

BAGUIO CITY -- The Persons with Disability Affairs Office under the City Mayor’s Office urged establishments here to be vigilant against individuals using fake identification cards as person with disability (PWD) to avail discounts.
    The precaution was issued after an establishment in the city complained of a group of tourists from Manila where eight out of the 13 individuals presented PWD IDs upon availing of services during the recent holiday season.
    It was later found out that all eight PWD IDs used in Baguio City were not registered or fake upon verification with the supposedly issuing local government unit.
    Samuel Aquino, PDAO supervising officer told commercial establishments to take precautionary measures by taking a photo or photocopying the PWD IDs and verify with issuing LGUs as documentary basis for possible actions in the future.
    Aquino said there were incidences of attempted renewal of PWD ID in Baguio but there no record found in the PDAO registry thus, rendering the IDs as fake.
    The PDAO flagged names of the four persons who attempted to acquire a PWD ID by renewing a counterfeit card.
    “We were able to detect that the PWD IDs they presented were not legitimately-issued by the office based on the logo while the identification numbers reflected in the cards were inconsistent with the PDAO registry,” Samuel said.
    As of Jan. 3, 2023 there are 4,563 validated PWDs in Baguio City per PDAO registry.
    PWD IDs are valid for five years beginning last year based on Administrative Order No. 01-2021 issued by the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA).

To verify authenticity of PWD IDs, Aquino advised establishments to directly coordinate with the issuing LGUs reflected in the cards.

For Baguio City, the telephone number is 442-7228 or message the PDAO Baguio Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/pac.lach. – JMPS

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Various services for female PWDs pushed

A proposed city ordinance, if and when enacted, would pave the way for the provision of various services for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory (BCJFD).

    Authored by Councilor Mylen Victoria Yaranon and former Councilor Francisco Roberto Ortega VI, the ordinance shall be known as the Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory Comprehensive Program.

    The proposed program shall offer the following services:

     -physical health services such as medical examinations (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction test, X-ray, urinalysis, fecalysis, and electrocardiogram (ECG) and in-house medical services (HIV/AIDs test, Pap smear test, pre-natal and post-natal examination, provision of pneumonia vaccine, and access to medicine);

    -mental health services such as psychological assessment, counseling, medication (if necessary), and mental health awareness activities;

    -drug use prevention, treatment and intervention such as drug abuse prevention education, drug test, intensive out-patient services, in-patient services;

     -education services such as Alternative Learning System, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority courses, and college education;

    -livelihood workshops on hand soap making, face mask making, handicraft, and food and beverage making/preparation, among others; and

-      aftercare and reintegration services such as job placement.

     Additional services may be provided by the implementing office, the City Jail Warden’s Office (Female), as may be deemed necessary. The City Jail Warden’s Office shall collaborate with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Health Services Office (CHSO) for the implementation of the program.

    The proposed ordinance also seeks to institutionalize the proposed Baguio City Jail Female Dormitory Comprehensive Program. The city mayor, through the BCJFD chief, shall facilitate the said program in coordination with various partners and stakeholders. For this purpose, the mayor shall be authorized to enter into agreements and partnerships with concerned government offices, agencies, institutions, non-government organizations, and private entities.

    A technical working group to be led by the City Jail Warden’s Office, CSWDO, and CHSO shall be formed and tasked to formulate the Implementing Rules and Procedures of the proposed program within 120 days upon the effectivity of the ordinance.

    The ordinance has been approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council and has been referred to the Sanggunian’s Committee on Public Protection and Safety, Peace and Order for review. -Jordan G. Habbiling

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Mayor: More progs set for Bontoc PWDs

Municipal Disability Affairs Officer Maria Codeo and some of the PWDs and their families pose beside the handicrafts they made which they sell at affordable prices. // Photo by Jovi T. Lopez 

By Alpine L. Killa- Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., bared more programs to make it easier for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to engage in mainstream of society.
    In observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week on July 17-23, the Bontoc Municipal Disability Affairs Office set activities for PWDs in this capital town.
    Municipal Disability Affairs Officer Maria Codeo, said PWDs participated in  consultation of relevant laws in promotion of PWDs' welfare and underwent training on dishwashing, fabcon, and soap making on July 18-19 at the Municipal Capitol auditorium.
    Codeo said organized PWDs in 16 barangays of Bontoc will also receive starter kits for dishwashing, fabcon, and soap making as they market their products in their respective barangays.
    The income will be included as seed capital for the respective organizations should they venture into other livelihood or income-generating projects.
    PWDs also received their PWD IDs and purchase booklets.
    Notable among these are 20% discounts for the purchase of medicine, dental services, food services at restaurants, and transportation fares.
    They are qualified to avail of the 5% discount on the purchase of basic commodities and non-inclusion of the 12% VAT.
    Mayor Tudlong lauded the commitment of Codeo and PWDs in every barangay for their unity in asserting their rights as stipulated in the Magna Carta (for Persons with Disabilities) and develop their personal capabilities.
    The mayor said PWDs were one of the sectors of society that should not be left behind but instead be given equal opportunity. He assured support of the Bontoc LGU for  improvement of the well-being of the PWDs in the municipality and their integration into the mainstream of society.
    Per record from the MDAO, there are 723 PWDs in Bontoc.
    Their names were registered in the Philippine Registry System.
    Types of disability include deaf or hard of hearing, intellectual disability, learning disability, mental disability, orthopedic disability, physical disability, psychosocial disability, speech, and language impairment, and visual disability.

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Bontoc gov’t gives cash assistance to 100 PWDs

By Christy Mae F. Che-es

BONTOC, Mountain Province –One hundred differently-abled individuals from 16 barangays of this municipality received cash assistance from the Bontoc local government through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office here on July 12 at the Municipal Capitol.
    Social Welfare Officer Rachel Ebfan, four persons with disabilities (PWDs) received ₱5,000 as medical assistance while 96 others received ₱4,500 as food assistance.
    Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who led the pay-out of the cash assistance, assured inclusiveness to members of the PWD sector.
    The cash assistance was sourced from the ₱5-million fund from the national government under the Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGUs) downloaded to the Bontoc LGU for assistance to indigent individuals.
    Beneficiaries were PWDs who have not received any cash assistance as verified by the Municipal Disability Affairs Office (MDAO).

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Biz establishments with PWD, aging workers to be incentivized

The Baguio City Council has approved on third and final reading an ordinance providing incentives to all business establishments in the city who employ qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

    The recently approved ordinance was penned by Councilors Elaine Sembrano, Lilia Farinas, Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Levy Lloyd Orcales, and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan.
     According to the ordinance, the incentive shall be in the form of a deduction from the establishment’s gross sales receipt which is equivalent to 50% of the total amount paid as salaries and wages for personal services actually rendered by the senior citizens/PWDs; or whatever percentage of tax deduction that may be recommended by the Local Finance Committee which is most beneficial, feasible, or acceptable according to existing tax and budget laws, rules, and regulations.
     Sembrano, principal author, said the ordinance intends to encourage employment for senior citizens and PWDs who are still able, capable, and willing to work by providing tax incentives to employers who will hire them. 
     To be qualified for the grant of incentives, the business establishment must have at least one senior citizen worker or one PWD worker who is employed for at least a period of six months; has a salary of at least the amount of the minimum wage provided in the Labor Code; and works for at least four hours for at least four working days in each working week; provided that their employment is not covered by the provisions and benefits provided in the Labor Code; provided further that the employee should not be a relative within the third consanguinity of the business owner/manager of the fast food or restaurant.
     Relatives within the third consanguinity include one’s mother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great grandmother, sister, daughter, son, granddaughter, grandson, great granddaughter, great grandson, aunt, uncle, or nephew.
     The business establishment may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the city government, provided that the same shall prepare the necessary documents for review and approval of the city council and the city mayor.
     The measure stated that any employer found guilty of fraudulently employing a senior citizen/PWD and removing the same without just cause after receiving the incentive shall be fined P1,000.00 for the first offense; P2,000.00 for the second offense; and P3,000.00 for the third offense and shall have their business permit revoked in case of a subsequent violation. 
     The Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, the Permits and Licensing Division, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the City Health Services Office shall be tasked to conduct monitoring and inspection to ensure that the ordinance is being enforced properly; and to determine that their rights under labor laws, as well as pertinent laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations for the well-being of the senior citizens and PWDs are not violated. In case of breach of their rights, they shall assist the individual in filing the necessary action.
     A waiver shall be executed between the senior citizen/s or the PWD/s who will be employed by the business establishment they will be working for, with the former’s spouse, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, as witnesses, declaring that they assume full responsibility for the risk of injury, death or property damage or otherwise while being employed by the business establishment.
     Within 60 days from the effectivity of the ordinance, the City Treasury Office shall craft the Implementing Rules and Regulations to efficiently implement the tax deduction which shall serve as the incentive of the qualified establishments. 
     The ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by the chief executive. -Jordan G. Habbiling

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Baguio City council to PUJ drivers, operators: prioritize elders, PWDs

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY – The City Council unanimously passed a resolution Monday urging all drivers and/or operators of public utility jeepneys in the city to comply with Dept. of Transportation department order 2014-013.
    Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, resolution proponent, said the DOTr order directs transport sector to provide or designate priority seats for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
 Cayabas said senior citizens and vulnerable groups should be prioritized at all times and in all circumstances.
    He added transport groups should comply with this policy to ensure the welfare and convenience of these vulnerable groups, especially now that public transportation is becoming a “big concern” particularly during rush hours due to the gradual increase of population and the arrival of tourists into the city.
    “Consistent observance of this policy will educate passengers and even those direct beneficiaries who are not yet aware of this policy,” he added.
    In 2019, the city council enacted an ordinance amending Ordinance 25-1990 (First Come, First Served Ordinance)
    Section 1 of the amendatory ordinance categorically states that senior citizens, PWDs, pregnant women, women with babies, and persons who by reason of health, national security, or public interest, need immediate goods and/or services, are exempted from the “first-come, first served” policy. This means that the aforementioned groups shall be prioritized when entering PUVs.
    Any individual found to have violated the ordinance shall be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.
    The city council passed two similar resolutions in 2013 and 2019 respectively urging PUJ and taxi drivers to “give priority to senior citizens, pregnant women, women with toddlers, and PWDs when queuing for jeepney and taxi rides.”

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Biz establishments with PWD, aging workers to be incentivized

The Baguio City Council has approved on third and final reading an ordinance providing incentives to all business establishments in the city who employ qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

    The recently approved ordinance was penned by Councilors Elaine Sembrano, Lilia Farinas, Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Levy Lloyd Orcales, and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan.

    According to the ordinance, the incentive shall be in the form of a deduction from the establishment’s gross sales receipt which is equivalent to 50% of the total amount paid as salaries and wages for personal services actually rendered by the senior citizens/PWDs; or whatever percentage of tax deduction that may be recommended by the Local Finance Committee which is most beneficial, feasible, or acceptable according to existing tax and budget laws, rules, and regulations.

    Sembrano, principal author, said the ordinance intends to encourage employment for senior citizens and PWDs who are still able, capable, and willing to work by providing tax incentives to employers who will hire them. 

    To be qualified for the grant of incentives, the business establishment must have at least one senior citizen worker or one PWD worker who is employed for at least a period of six months; has a salary of at least the amount of the minimum wage provided in the Labor Code; and works for at least four hours for at least four working days in each working week; provided that their employment is not covered by the provisions and benefits provided in the Labor Code; provided further that the employee should not be a relative within the third consanguinity of the business owner/manager of the fast food or restaurant.

    Relatives within the third consanguinity include one’s mother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great grandmother, sister, daughter, son, granddaughter, grandson, great granddaughter, great grandson, aunt, uncle, or nephew.

    The business establishment may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the city government, provided that the same shall prepare the necessary documents for review and approval of the city council and the city mayor.

    The measure stated that any employer found guilty of fraudulently employing a senior citizen/PWD and removing the same without just cause after receiving the incentive shall be fined P1,000.00 for the first offense; P2,000.00 for the second offense; and P3,000.00 for the third offense and shall have their business permit revoked in case of a subsequent violation. 

    The Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, the Permits and Licensing Division, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the City Health Services Office shall be tasked to conduct monitoring and inspection to ensure that the ordinance is being enforced properly; and to determine that their rights under labor laws, as well as pertinent laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations for the well-being of the senior citizens and PWDs are not violated. In case of breach of their rights, they shall assist the individual in filing the necessary action.

    A waiver shall be executed between the senior citizen/s or the PWD/s who will be employed by the business establishment they will be working for, with the former’s spouse, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, as witnesses, declaring that they assume full responsibility for the risk of injury, death or property damage or otherwise while being employed by the business establishment.

    Within 60 days from the effectivity of the ordinance, the City Treasury Office shall craft the Implementing Rules and Regulations to efficiently implement the tax deduction which shall serve as the incentive of the qualified establishments. 

    The ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office to be signed by the chief executive. -Jordan G. Habbiling

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Computer given by NCDA to Bontoc to up data posting

  By Christy Mae F. Che-es and Alpine Killa- Malwagay 

BONTOC, Mountain Province – This capital town was the first recipient in the Cordillera of a complete computer set from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).
    Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey received the information technology equipment from the NCDA during the “barrier-free tourism seminar on handling PWDs on May 20 at Samoki Valley Inn.
    The computer set was turned over to Municipal Disability Affairs officer Maria Codeo.
    Regional Programs coordinator Randy Dela Cruz Calseña of NCDA said the computer set will be of great help in collection and upload of disability data in the locality. 
    Odsey expressed gratitude to the NCDA for the computer to be utilized by the Office of the Municipal Disability Affairs Officer.
    Odsey said creation of the Municipal Disability Affairs Office in the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) and the appointment of Maria Codeo as the Municipal Disability Affairs Officer has paved way for better delivery of services especially in giving support to well-being of PWDs in the municipality and their integration into the mainstream of the society. 
    The mayor added with the MDAO, this is the first time that the PWDs in all the barangays of Bontoc are being organized and their respective associations are currently for registration to the Dept. of Labor and Employment.
    The MDAO is currently gathering the list of the PWDs in Bontoc and is in the process of inputting the names into the Philippine Registry System.
    Said office is preparing the PWD IDs and purchase booklets for all the PWDs in the municipality. 
Codeo the complete computer set to the MDAO was timely.
    She added  organizing the PWDs as a group and inputting their names in the Philippine Registry System will be an opportunity for the PWDs to strengthen and learn to assert their rights as stipulated in the Magna Carta (for persons with disabilities) and develop personal capacities. 
    As of this writing, a total of 806 PWDs in Bontoc have been inputted by the MDAO in the Philippine Registry System.
    Codeo bared nine types of disability.
    These include deaf or hard of hearing, intellectual disability, learning disability, mental disability, orthopedic disability, physical disability, psychosocial disability, speech and language impairment, and visual disability. 
 

 

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Cars with PWDS can use reserved Baguio road slots

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Council recently approved on first reading a proposed ordinance amending Section 4 of Ordinance No. 28, series of 2018 which earlier amended Ordinance No. 108, series of 2008 that regulated the use of parking spaces and blue lanes for the use of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
    Under the said proposal, Section 4.6 of Ordinance No. 28, 2018 will now read ‘Vehicles ferrying a differently-abled or other-abled person may park at the designated parking slot for differently-abled or other abled persons, provided, that the purpose of the visit to the establishment, institution or office is for the welfare of the differently-abled or other-abled person, provided further, that said differently-abled or other abled person cannot buy himself or herself drive the vehicle for reason of physical incapability.’
    Earlier, the local legislative body passed Ordinance No. 108, series of 2008 which regulated the use of parking spaces and blue lanes for the use of PWDs.
    The city declared as a policy that only persons with disabilities shall be allowed to use parking slots and pedestrian lanes, especially reserved for them.
    It shall be the duty of the police or traffic enforcer, security guards and personnel manning the parking area to see to it that only PWDs shall use the designated parking area slots.
    Based on said ordinance, persons other than PWDs who shall utilize the blue lanes and parking spaces for PWDs shall be penalized with a fine of P200 for the first offense, a fine of P500 for the second offense and a fine of P1,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.
    Ordinance 28, series of 2008 defined differently-abled or other-abled persons as persons suffering from restrictions of different abilities, as a result of a physical, mental, physical or sensory impairment, in performing an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.
    On the other hand, disability shall mean either a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical function of an individual or activities of such individuals; or a record of such impairment, or being regarded as having such impairment. – Dexter A. See
 
 
 

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Cops build house for Kabayan mother-PWD

KABAYAN, Benguet -- Another house was turned over to a family here, the ninth  beneficiary of "Pabahay Handog Project of Benguet Police Provincial Office. Manang Janet, a 52-year-old person with a disability and a solo parent was chosen by Kabayan cops as their beneficiary of the project.
    Police said construction of the house started with contributions of town folks.
    After a year of hard work, the new house was officially turned over to Manang Janet in a simple house blessing recently.
    Turn-over ceremony was graced by Lt. Col. Baldwin Sokoken, police deputy provincial director for operations who represented     Col. Reynaldo Pasiwen, provincial police director.
    Together with her three children, they will now be staying in the newly constructed house with two rooms, a dirty kitchen, living room and comfort room.
    Private donors and police also gave kitchen utensils, burner stove, plastic cabinet, and curtains to the family.
    Manang Janet thanked police and other stakeholders for providing the house among other matters. 

Cops build tank for waterless folks in far Ifugao village 

LAMUT, Ifugao -- Cops of 1st Ifugao Provincial Mobile Force Company recently built a concrete water tank for residents of Halimutok,  Holowon here to provide water for local folks. This, after cops visited and had a dialogue with Halimutok who said they lacked water supply. In response, 1st Ifugao PMFC initiated a “Shoot fest for a cause” to raise funds to buy materials for the tank.
    The activity raised P39,000 and police started construction of the tank in last December.
    After more than one month working with barangay officials and residents, the 6’x6’x8 water reservoir was formally turned over to residents of Sitio Halimutok on Jan. 19.
    Sitio Halimutok is remote and can be reached by walking for almost an hour through a steep mountain.
    The water tank will be used by the 20 households of Halimutok.
 

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Dad pushes special education council

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, in a resolution, urged the Dept. of Education-Cordillera Administrative Region to organize its Special Education (SPED) Council to be composed of focal persons in public schools in the city.
    Cayabas said the creation of a SPED council will strengthen SPED programs for basic education in the city.
    He added the SPED council may assist DepEd division officials and focal offices in monitoring SPED-related programs in the city, provide help in regular evaluation or assessment to determine effectiveness of these programs and propose measures for efficient implementation.
    DepEd’s Department Order No. 26, Series of 1997 mandates the institutionalization of SPED programs in all schools in the country to be able to “provide access to basic education among children with special needs, namely, the gifted/talented, the mentally retarded, the visually impaired, the hearing impaired, the orthopedically handicapped, the learning disabled, the speech defectives, the children with behavior problems, the autistic children and those with health problems through the formal system and other alternative delivery services in education.”
    Cayabas stated SPED involves preparation of teaching procedures, materials, and other interventions designed to address the needs of learners with learning differences, disabilities, and giftedness.\

    He added the objectives of SPED include the development, empowerment, and maximization of learning competencies as well as the inculcation of right values to learners with special needs while equipping them and nurturing their potentials to prepare them in becoming productive members of the society.

    Citing Art.23, Paragraph I of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC), the councilor underscored it is the policy of the state to “provide priority for the needs of the underprivileged sick, elderly, disabled, women and children” and that the state “recognizes the disabled children’s right to special care, education and training to help them enjoy full and decent lives in dignity and achieve the greatest degree of self-reliance and social integration.”

    The Philippines signed the UN CRC on January 26, 1990. It was ratified by the Philippine Senate on August 21, 1990.

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Bontoc PWD group gets P480-k livelihood project

By Christy Che-es and Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province - An organization of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in this capital town has ventured into sell and repair of assistive devices or mobility aids under a government P480,000  project.
    This, following the turnover of mobility aids and supplies, and a complete set of tools for repair services to LAYAD Organization -PWDs on July 19 at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
    The supplies and equipment totaling to P480, 660 were funded under the Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Project.
    In support of the government's mandate to assist vulnerable sectors of the community as well as to protect the rights and promote the economic empowerment of all PWDs, the Bontoc LGU through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) provided technical assistance to the LAYAD Organization-PWDs to avail of the said program.
    The mobility aids include 11 different types of wheelchairs, four types of walkers, 23 types of crutches, and 40 different kinds of equipment and tools. The livelihood project intended to the LAYAD Organization-PWDs came in timely as the country observes the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, held annually every 3rd week of July.
    Aside from the livelihood assistance, the Bontoc LGU has provided the organization free skills and entrepreneurial training in partnership with DOLE and Mountain Province State Polytechnic College(MPSPC).
    Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey encouraged the differently-abled persons not to let their disabilities hinder whatever dreams they have.
    According to him, PWDs are one sector of the society that should not be left behind, but instead be, given equal opportunity.
    “PWDs need more than what we can give them, thus the need to understand their needs and capabilities prompting government agencies to provide them the opportunity for work and make them more productive, self-reliant and empower them to become active,” he remarked.
    The mayor also advocated for a more prosperous and developed Bontoc.
    "Amidst the virus that we are currently battling, let us continue working together to achieve a more developed municipality," he added.
 

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PSA chief pushes nat’l ID; PWDs, seniors included

By Susan C. Aro

TUBLAY, Benguet – The Philippine Statistics Authority is pushing registration of all citizens of the country under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or National ID including differently-abled persons and senior citizens.
    PSA Undersecretary Dennis Claire Mapa bared this saying persons with disability and senior citizens who are not   yet   profiled and incapable of going to biometrics registration centers will be reached in their homes.
    Mapa, who is also Civil Registrar General, announced this during his visit here in Barangay Caponga on June 17 to look into biometrics registration in the area. 

The municipalities of Tublay and Mankayan were the first   towns in Benguet that that implemented PhilSysregistration. 

Mapa, in responding to concern of the PWDs  raised by Local Civil Registrar Ruth Elyn Dino,  said the same issue was raised in other areas and  the  PSA is  working to address such  including  incapable senior citizens. 

Site of house to house strategies will be done in coordination with barangay officials for scheduling which will push through by September this year, he said.

PSA will provide knapsack biometrics registration kits which are lighter, movable and mobile so these can be easily carried house-to-house, said Mapa.

Registrants’ biometric information to be taken will be fingerprint biometrics, iris scans, and face photographs.

“Our aim is that all Filipinos will be registered with the national ID system and that no one will be left behind,” Mapa said.

Under the PhilSys program of the government, the national ID will be used as foundational proof of identity for any government and private transaction, he said. 

PSA-CAR director Villafe Alibuyog and Benguet provincial director Imelda Buyuccan   accompanied Mapa during the site visit. – PIA

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279 Bontoc PWDs, seniors get gov’t fund assistance

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Some 279 indigent persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens were recipients of financial assistance from the Ang Probinsyano Partylist and Dept. of Social Welfare and Development. 

Ang Probinsyano Partylist Rep. Ronnie Ong visited Bontoc, Mountain Province on June 5, coinciding with the payout of financial assistance to beneficiaries.
    He was welcomed by Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey, Sangguniang Bayan member Viola Okko and Sabangan Mayor Marcial Lawilao, Jr.

Ong expressed s gratitude for the warm welcome by the Bontoc community to his team.

He said financial assistance is an augmentation to financial needs of beneficiaries who are also affected by the global pandemic.

Odsey in his message thanked the lawmaker and the DSWD for their assistance and expressed high hopes that more programs will be funded to cater to the marginalized sector.

He added the Covid-19 pandemic did not deter the government from assisting the vulnerable sectors of society.

A PWD- beneficiary expressed gratitude to government adding that the amount she received will be of great help to augment her financial needs for medication.

Officer in charge Stephanie Kanongkong of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office said the Ang Probinsyano Parylist downloaded P270, 000 to the DSWD for the implementation of the said program. 

The amount was augmented by the DSWD.

Kanongkong added their office identified the list of beneficiaries based on their financial needs.

She said the maximum amount received by beneficiaries was P3, 000 while minimum was P1, 000.

Beneficiaries taking medicines and have higher expenses with their medications reportedly received P3, 000. 

As of this writing, the payout of financial assistance to eligible indigent PWDs and senior citizens is ongoing.

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