CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The local government is reinforcing its efforts to protect women with disabilities (PWD) from abuse, discrimination, and other crimes, offering health services, legal aid, and advocacy programs to help them seek justice and access resources.
“Common problems of women with disability are communication, accessibility. What we do sa office is ga-advocate gyud mi ana pirmi sa mga different government agencies sa mga lain-lain nga mga offices,” said Maria Liza Corpuz, head of the Person with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in Cagayan de Oro.
(The common problems of women with disabilities are communication and accessibility. What we do at the office is continuously advocate for these concerns to various government agencies and offices.)
The PDAO works with schools to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about inclusive development.
For abuse victims, the PDAO helps refer cases to the appropriate agencies. “And we encourage them to refer. Gikan sa client dayon mag-letter sila, and then ang office ang mag-refer to appropriate nga agencies na mag-handle sa ilahang mga cases,” Corpuz said.
(We encourage them to refer. The client submits a letter, and then our office refers the case to the appropriate agencies for handling.)
Corpuz urged government agencies, especially frontline offices, to train staff in sign language and disability sensitivity. She stressed the need for accessible personnel to interpret and assist individuals with disabilities.
Law enforcement is also part of the city’s expanding support network for PWD women. Corpuz noted that police officers seek guidance from the PDAO when they encounter cases they cannot manage.
Women with Disability Day
“Mag-celebrate man ta sa March 31 by virtue of Proclamation No. 744 na every last Monday of March is para sa Women with Disability Day in cognizance of the contribution na despite the disability kay naa man gyud contributions ang atong mga kababayenhan,” Corpuz said.
(We will celebrate on March 31 by virtue of Proclamation No. 744, which designates the last Monday of March as Women with Disability Day in recognition of their contributions despite their disabilities).
The local government is hosting a seminar in partnership with various agencies to address challenges faced by women with disabilities. The program will feature discussions on issues impacting this group.
The city also offered a free cervical cancer screening on March 28 at JR Borja General Hospital (JRBGH), in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH). This service ensures accessible healthcare for women with disabilities, eliminating the need for transfers to other facilities. A total of 57 women, including mothers, benefit from the screening.
Beyond healthcare, Corpuz emphasized that the PDAO continues to advocate for better accessibility and support services for PWD women facing communication and mobility challenges.
With these strengthened initiatives, she added that the local government continues to push for greater protection, accessibility, and justice for women with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support they need to live safer and more empowered lives. (RTP/PIA-10)
