Vice President Leni Robredo will include in her agenda projects and programs for persons with disabilities (PWDs) should she win the presidential race.
The presidential candidate made the assurance during a covenant signing with PWDs, where she promised to include their agenda in her administration.
“Sisiguraduhin natin na kasama kayo hindi lang sa mga konsultasyon. Kasama kayong makikilahok sa pagbuo ng mga polisiya at mga programang isusulong natin,” she said.
Robredo said she would ensure that PWDs will not be marginalized under her government.
“Maaasahan ninyo sa administrasyon ko na tututukan natin ’yung lahat na inilahad ngayon. At ito ay hindi naman static. Pag sinabi kong hindi static, ’yung pipirmahan natin ngayon, hindi siya limitado sa pipirmahan natin today,” she said.
Robredo agreed that there should be a better database for PWDs that also include their needs in order for the government to efficiently respond to them.
She said she would also strengthen the implementation of the Accessibility Law.
“Merong sumusunod, merong hindi sumusunod. Mas maraming hindi sumusunod pero walang penalties na binibigay doon sa mga hindi sumusunod. So, sisiguraduhin natin na 100 percent ’yung pagpapatupad,” the candidate said.
Likewise, Robredo batted for the return of the administration of the National Council on Disability Affairs to the Office of the President from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. This way, she can give focus to the needs of the PWDs.
“Sisiguraduhin ko sa inyo na ‘yung pagkilala ng participation niyo every step of the way ay ‘yun ang ie-ensure natin,” she said.
Image credits: AP/John Michael Magdasoc