Measures Proposed for PWDs
June 27, 2015
BAGUIO CITY – Committee Chair on Employment, Livelihood, Cooperatives and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Councilor Isabelo Cosalan, Jr. proposed an ordinance and a resolution to benefit differently-abled persons.
The proposed ordinance for deliberation during the next session focused on hiring a qualified city interpreter for constituents with hearing impairment.
Anchored on Republic Act 7277, Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, in an effort to “facilitate integration of disabled persons into the mainstream of society, the State shall advocate for and encourage respect for disabled persons. The State shall exert all efforts to remove all social, cultural, economic, environmental and attitudinal barriers that are prejudicial to disabled persons.” In this case, hearing-impairedness is the barrier thus the need for a sign-language interpreter, the proposed measure states.
It is proposed that the employee be regularized under the City Social Welfare and Development Office and hired, with qualifications, salary grade and job description determined city human resource management officer.
The hired employee is responsible in interpreting through sign language which is understood by hearing-impaired persons, all communication and announcements during the regular Monday flag raising ceremonies, Baguio Day, Independence day, Rizal Day celebrations, Panagbenga opening and closing programs and other government functions.
The measure shall be discussed during this Monday’s session.
In Cosalan’s proposed resolution, approved during the council session last Monday, Planning and Development Officer Engr. Evelyn Cayat, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Betty Fangasan, City Engineer Leo Bernardez, Budget Officer Leticia Clemente, Building and Architecture Officer Nazita Banez were invited to “shed light on the compliance to the accessibility law of facilities open to the general public.”
Batas Pambansa 344 is an act crafted to “enhance the mobility of disabled person by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishment and public utilities to install facilities and other devices,”
In a report from an earlier forum, sidewalks, walkways, including public transport facilities were deemed “unfriendly and hazardous to PWDs.”
There is a need to assess the compliance to the law and come up with local legislation for the welfare and interest of persons with disabilities in the city, Cosalan, Jr. stated in his resolution.
The invited officials are expected during the July 13 regular session./Julie G. Fianza
