Neophyte Quezon City Rep. PM Vargas has proposed a bill in congress seeking to give a P2,000 support allowance every month for all Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to aid their needs.
PWDs, as defined in the bill, are those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that may prevent them from participating in society on an equal basis with others.
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In the proposed Disability Support Allowance Act or the House Bill 5803, Vargas mentioned that the said social support program is already being urged by the Life Haven Center for Independent Living, Nationwide Organization of Visually-Impared Empower Ladies and Philippine Coalition on United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
According to the proposed bill, the first to receive the aid are those PWDs with ages seventeen and below. Meanwhile, those with ages eighteen to fifty-nine will start to receive the suppport allowance in the second phase which is after three years and another three years for the remaining age bracket.
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Vargas justified that the bill will be a huge help for the PWDs who are having difficulties finding a job and also because of the COVID-19 which continuously giving them financial constraint leading them to a stagnant and poor status in life.
Despite having programs from the government for PWDs, there's a limitation on who can receive the benefits.
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“Because of multiple socio-economic barriers, persons with disabilities have less income and more expenses than those without disabilities, and under the COVID-19 crisis, their economic vulnerabilities have intensified further preventing them and their families from escaping poverty. In a just and humane society that leaves no one behind, it is important that we ensure equitable access and empower persons with disabilities to free themselves and their families from the poverty trap,” Vargas explained.
According to Vargas, there are currently 12% PWDs out of the total population in the country.
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"In a just and humane society that leaves no one behind, it is important that we ensure equitable access and empower persons with disabilities to free themselves and their families from the poverty trap,” he added.
In order for the government to prepare for the needed funds, the proposed bill suggested a progressive roll-out program.
Source: PhilStar
From zambales my son have disability deaf and can't talk
I want to apply my father for financial assistance for PWD's
My Grandpa,he is pwd 4years ago...