NAGA CITY, Aug. 10 (PIA) – City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion approved today, an ordinance codifying the policies and programs of the City of Naga on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), citing all the benefits and services allotted for the use and convenience of differently-able residents of this city.

This is the first Persons with Disability Code duly-ordained by a local government unit in the Philippines. Authored by City Councilor Elmer S. Baldemoro, Chairman of the Sangguniang Panlunsod Committee on Persons with Disabilities,  Ordinance No. 2020-072 cites the need to put the city’s programs and services in one order understanding the “inherent limitations of PWDs mobility and capability,” particularly those in the marginalized sector.he city government has also expanded the scope of the services of PDAO by making it as a full-pledged city department from the current division level under the Office of the Mayor.

Under the said ordinance, all registered PWDs will enjoy the following privileges: assistive devices like wheelchair, hearing aid, crutches, and eyeglasses and other similar devices, food assistance for abandoned and bedridden, scholarship and education support and also medical assistance.

The city shall also give burial assistance, free movie in cinemas in Naga City and a delicious cake delivered right at the front doors of every PWD celebrating their birthday.

 PWDs in Naga are required to register at the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) to get their Enhanced PWD identification card or ePWD ID. The said ID will help the PWDs facilitate the efficient delivery of services, privileges and benefits accorded to them under the said ordinance.  (LSMacatangay-PIAV/Camarines Sur)

“This is in consonance with the essence of what social justice means, which provides that those who have less in life should have more in law. It is imperative for the City government of Naga to provide all the necessary protection and benefits to PWDs,” Baldemoro stated in his explanatory note.
Benefits of the PWD Code

Otherwise known as the “Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Code of Naga City", the said ordinance aims to uplift the lives of PWDs by allowing them to be an active member of the society by giving them employment opportunities, promote their participation on political process and in decision-making and enhance their access to physical environment, public transportation, knowledge, information and communication, among others.

PWDs, as one of the most vulnerable sectors of the society also need social protection, which is one of those highlighted provisions in the PWD Code. The said ordinance also intends to expand early intervention and education of children with disabilities and ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The PWD sector, under the said code, is also included in the master plan of disaster preparedness as they are protected under the disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and management program of the city. The said ID will be used to facilitate the efficient delivery of services, privileges and benefits allotted for PWD under the law.