By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian is advocating for more accessible public transportation for persons with disabilities (PWDs) to help them engage more actively in their communities.

Gatchalian shared that his office has received numerous complaints from PWDs struggling to access public transportation.

“My office has been receiving numerous complaints from PWDs who have difficulty accessing public transportation,” Gatchalian said. He added that PWDs face significant challenges, such as issues with ramps that are meant to provide access to transport.

“They often can’t board the MRT or LRT, especially when the escalators or elevators that lead to the platforms are broken. Sometimes, they can’t even get on jeepneys because they are slow to move,” he said.

While Gatchalian has been calling attention to those who exploit fake PWD IDs for personal gain, he also emphasized the equally important need to ensure that genuine PWDs receive the benefits intended for them. One key concern is access to transportation.

Additionally, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means stressed the need for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to adopt design standards that ensure easy access to both existing transport systems and those still under development.

According to the National Council on Disability Affairs, the total number of registered PWDs as of January 8 this year is 1.9 million.

ia/mnm

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced a series of activities in partnership with various organizations to commemorate the inaugural National Disability Rights Week from July 17 to 23.

“We advocated for this to become a National Disability Rights Week to empower persons with disabilities in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD),” said Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna during the DSWD Thursday Media Forum on July 4 at the Central Office’s New Press Center in Quezon City.

Through Proclamation No. 597, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared July 17 to 23 of every year as “National Disability Rights Week” to promote a rights-based approach and raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The proclamation assigns the DSWD, through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), to lead, coordinate, and supervise the annual observance.

This year’s celebration will be themed “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access.”

The DSWD, NCDA, and their partner non-government organization, the Project Inclusion Network, will kick off the festivities with the Philippine Disability Convention and Expo (ConEx) on July 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“This embodies a whole-of-society approach where government and non-government organizations come together. When government and the private sector collaborate, remarkable outcomes tailored to vulnerable sectors are achieved,” Fallarcuna emphasized.

The ConEx event, which is free to attend, will include capacity-building and learning sessions for Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs) in local government units (LGUs).

Moreover, the event will feature a “one-stop shop” showcasing products and services from businesses run by and for PWDs.

Exhibitors from government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector will also participate, offering services and job opportunities for PWDs.

(el Amigo/mnm)