Pimentel slams ‘meager’ budget for PWDs
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Pimentel slams ‘meager’ budget for PWDs
Hundreds of joggers and persons with disability participate in the “Walk, Run, and Roll” fun run at the University of the Philippines Diliman on July 20, 2024. The event, sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, has the theme “Promotion Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access” and is held in observance of the National Disability Rights Week. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
Hundreds of joggers and persons with disability participate in the “Walk, Run, and Roll” fun run at the University of the Philippines Diliman on July 20, 2024. The event, sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, has the theme “Promotion Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access” and is held in observance of the National Disability Rights Week. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III criticized the “meager” P7.6 million allocation for persons with disabilities (PWDs) under the social welfare department’s P93-billion program during its budget hearing on Wednesday.
MANILA — Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III criticized the “meager” P7.6 million allocation for persons with disabilities (PWDs) under the social welfare department’s P93-billion program during its budget hearing on Wednesday.
Pimentel was referring to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Protective Social Welfare Program for PWDs.
Pimentel was referring to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Protective Social Welfare Program for PWDs.
“Ito ang aking papansinin,assistance to persons with disability, P7.6 million. Parang, what is this? Napakaliit naman,” he said.
“Ito ang aking papansinin,assistance to persons with disability, P7.6 million. Parang, what is this? Napakaliit naman,” he said.
Sen. Imee Marcos, sponsor of DSWD’s budget, agreed with Pimentel.
Sen. Imee Marcos, sponsor of DSWD’s budget, agreed with Pimentel.
“Napakaliit talaga… yun ang naka-earmark sa PWD. Pero ang katotohanan, palaging nakapriority sa AICS [Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations] ang ating mga PWD,” said Marcos.
“Napakaliit talaga… yun ang naka-earmark sa PWD. Pero ang katotohanan, palaging nakapriority sa AICS [Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations] ang ating mga PWD,” said Marcos.
Pimentel called on the DSWD to reconsider its budget for PWDs and reassess its priorities.
Pimentel called on the DSWD to reconsider its budget for PWDs and reassess its priorities.
“Kindly review kung pwedeng… make it more… even on paper makita natin yung support sa kanila, yung concern para sa persons with disabilities,” the Senate minority leader said.
“Kindly review kung pwedeng… make it more… even on paper makita natin yung support sa kanila, yung concern para sa persons with disabilities,” the Senate minority leader said.
Marcos suggested reallocating funds from programs Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and AICS, which had seen cuts, to better assist PWDs.
Marcos suggested reallocating funds from programs Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and AICS, which had seen cuts, to better assist PWDs.
Pimentel proposed a P350 million allocation for a “cash for work” program aimed at providing PWDs with employment opportunities.
Pimentel proposed a P350 million allocation for a “cash for work” program aimed at providing PWDs with employment opportunities.
“Marami sa kanila gusto magtrabaho pero walang pagkakataon na magtrabaho. So, we allotted P350 million sana kung tatanggapin,” he said.
“Marami sa kanila gusto magtrabaho pero walang pagkakataon na magtrabaho. So, we allotted P350 million sana kung tatanggapin,” he said.
‘ABUSE’ OF PWD CARD
‘ABUSE’ OF PWD CARD
The hearing also addressed the supposed abuse of PWD discount cards, which Marcos attributed to inconsistent regulations across local government units (LGUs).
The hearing also addressed the supposed abuse of PWD discount cards, which Marcos attributed to inconsistent regulations across local government units (LGUs).
“Ang problema, as we all know, hinihingi na lang yan sa LGU. May ibang LGU na konsintidor, eh binibigay na lamang yung card,” Marcos said.
“Ang problema, as we all know, hinihingi na lang yan sa LGU. May ibang LGU na konsintidor, eh binibigay na lamang yung card,” Marcos said.
She also discussed the challenge of verifying disabilities due to the lack of trained medical personnel at LGUs.
She also discussed the challenge of verifying disabilities due to the lack of trained medical personnel at LGUs.
“Ang madali, pag physical disability ang nakikita. Ang non-apparent disability, yun ang problema dahil wala ring specialized doctors ang LGU para alamin kung totoo o hindi,” the lawmaker added.
“Ang madali, pag physical disability ang nakikita. Ang non-apparent disability, yun ang problema dahil wala ring specialized doctors ang LGU para alamin kung totoo o hindi,” the lawmaker added.
Pimentel urged the DSWD to develop an action plan to address the issue. Marcos said that the department is already working on a solution.
Pimentel urged the DSWD to develop an action plan to address the issue. Marcos said that the department is already working on a solution.
“They will submit the action plan being fully aware on the problem and the immediate plan is to finally come up with a national PWD ID,” Marcos added.
“They will submit the action plan being fully aware on the problem and the immediate plan is to finally come up with a national PWD ID,” Marcos added.
In 2020, only 57 percent of PWDs in the Philippines were employed, lower than the national employment rate of 93.4 percent, as reported by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
In 2020, only 57 percent of PWDs in the Philippines were employed, lower than the national employment rate of 93.4 percent, as reported by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
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