THE Iloilo City is the latest locality to commit support for the national agenda for the development of persons with disabilities.
Iloilo City officials made the commitment during a recent forum that focused on sustainable livelihood and well-being of persons with disabilities.
New Vois Association of the Philippines (Nvap) President and Global Cancer Ambassador Emer Rojas said the forum was part of the PWD Empowerment Project, a partnership that the organization clinched together with the British Embassy that was also anchored on the government’s inclusive agenda.
“This project aims to raise the level of awareness of the general public and sector members on issues and concerns on health and livelihood, and raise the awareness on various laws of the Philippines, which are meant to enhance the disability sector.”
The Empowerment Project, as supported by the British Embassy, recognizes the role that this marginalized sector plays in pushing for national economic growth.
To encourage the participation of persons with disabilities, the project aims to support livelihood opportunities for the differently abled that is anchored on Executive Order (EO) 417, and also puts emphasis on their health and well-being, and the exercise of their political rights.
EO 417 encourages all government offices to purchase 10 percent of their supplies from products made by persons with disabilities.
“EO 417 is the solution to the sustainable livelihood program for persons with disabilities, since it assures the three basic things needed in a successful business, namely, financial, technical and, most important, marketing aspect of engaging into a business,” Rojas said.
He said the project also recognizes that empowerment of the disabled sector is impossible without promoting their health and well-being.
“Without good health, the economic resources of persons with disabilities are usually drained. Conversely, with good health we can work and become productive citizens,” Rojas added.
Iloilo City Health Task Force Executive Director Iñigo Garingalao noted the importance of keeping the people’s health by making the environment free from tobacco smoke.
“Implementing smoke-free policies in the city is an effective way of minimizing the occurrence of non-communicable diseases, like cancer, heart disease and lung diseases,” Garingalao said.
Rojas hopes that other local government units will also embrace and support the Nvap-British Embassy PWD Empowerment Project.
“In effect, its main outcome is that the dignity of persons with disabilities is raised by making them healthy and productive members of society,” he said.