By Xander Ledesma
A forum aimed at promoting social enhancement for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was held at Tacloban City Hall. The event brought together officers and members from various Barangay PWD Associations, who gathered to share their accomplishments from the past year, discuss ongoing challenges, and plan future initiatives to improve the lives of PWDs in the region.
Organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in partnership with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), the forum provided a platform for local leaders to present their achievements in 2024 and outline their goals for 2025. The event emphasized collaboration, allowing participants to engage in open discussions on key issues and strategies for addressing the specific needs of the PWD community in Tacloban.
The primary objective of the forum was to foster a sense of community and encourage the exchange of best practices among Barangay PWD Associations. Leaders from various neighborhoods shared the programs and initiatives they had implemented in 2024 to enhance the lives of PWDs, including educational programs, livelihood opportunities, and improved access to medical and assistive services.
Despite notable progress, many challenges remain. Participants discussed issues such as the accessibility of public spaces, employment opportunities, and the adequacy of healthcare services for PWDs. There were calls for more inclusive policies and better infrastructure to ensure that the PWD community can fully engage in society and access the services they need.
An open forum followed the presentations, allowing participants to voice their concerns in a more informal setting. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the city government, local barangays, and non-governmental organizations in providing comprehensive support to the PWD sector.
A key takeaway from the forum was the establishment of a partnership between the CSWDO and PDAO, focused on enhancing rights-based services for PWDs in Tacloban. This partnership aims to improve the delivery of social services, advocate for policy changes, and ensure that PWDs have access to the resources necessary for leading independent and dignified lives.
Addressing the needs of PWDs remains an ongoing concern in the Philippines. The country ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2008, committing to uphold the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. Since then, the Philippine government has taken several steps to improve the lives of PWDs, including the creation of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the enactment of laws like the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (Republic Act No. 7277) in 1992, which guarantees PWDs access to education, healthcare, and employment.
However, challenges persist, particularly at the local level. Accessibility issues, limited job opportunities, and insufficient healthcare services continue to be common barriers faced by PWDs across the country. In response, various local government units, including Tacloban City, have prioritized addressing these concerns and promoting inclusion and equality for all citizens.
The forum held at Tacloban City Hall reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of PWDs. It is part of a broader national movement to empower individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive society.