BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — In an effort to further empower women with disabilities, the city government of Baguio through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) is implementing several programs that aim to provide support, enhance skills, and promote inclusion.
PDAO head Dr. Samuel Aquino emphasized the city’s commitment to recognizing women with disabilities as partners in community development. There are programs such as entrepreneurial engagement, wellness retreats, and gender-based seminars addressing social justice laws and reproductive health.
“Dito, hindi lang natin ginaganap ‘yung isang araw. Ngayong taon po, marami na po aktibidades na ibinibigay natin, serbisyo at programa na nakalaan sa mga kababaihan na may kapansanan kasi naniniwala ang ating opisina na sila po ay ating mga partners,” Aquino said.
The PDAO conducts its programs through partnerships with several government and non-government organizations.
On March 7, they conducted an entrepreneurial engagement for women with disabilities in partnership with the UP SILBI.
“Sabi nga natin, huwag na nating isipin negosyo, mas maganda yata na we give them the entrepreneurial management and skill. Kasi naniniwala kami na sa darating na panahon, sila din ay magiging employer sa kanila, then at the same time, kung sila ay magiging employer, magi-employ din sila sa kapwa bilang kababaihan na may kapansanan. ‘Yun po ang goal ng ating opisina,” he explained.
Other programs such as wellness and mental health-related activities were conducted in La Union on March 24 attended by 75 women with disabilities and their children. A gender-based seminar with several health services was also conducted on March 28.
The city is also facilitating the establishment of a cooperative for persons with disabilities under PDAO and a livelihood center that was launched on March 28 at the Orchidarium, providing sustainable economic opportunities for PWDs.
“Kung titignan natin sa datos natin, mas marami pa rin babae na may kapansanan. And that is why lahat ng mga programa at aktibidades natin na ginaganap ay mas nakararami ang babae. Kaya ‘pag titignan natin sa Magna Carta ng persons with disability, dapat tugunan natin ang pangangailangan ng bawat taong may kapansanan sa larangan ng education, kalusugan, transportation, political, telecommunication, kabuhayan, at sports,” Aquino said.
The PDAO is also actively promoting leadership roles for women with disabilities, highlighting the achievements of individuals like para-archery Olympian Agustina Bantiloc.
The city is also preparing for several events in the coming weeks that include medical missions, and welcoming participants of the Pedia Camp.
Proclamation No. 744 declares every last Monday of March as Women with Disabilities Day. The observance aims to promote the rights of women with disabilities particularly their right to health services, education, training and employment, and protection from sexual and other forms of abuse. (JDP/DEG/Ariann Mangayabas-PIA CAR-BSU Intern]
