The sector of Persons with Disability in Zamboanga Peninsula still calls for inclusivity and accessibility in terms of education and employment.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the significance of inclusivity and accessibility for PWDs is still a challenge. Their potential remains untapped due to the various barriers they face in education, employment, and social participation.
During the celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week celebration in the country with the theme: “Persons with Disabilities Accessibility and Rights: Towards a Sustainable Future where No One is Left Behind.”
The sector believes that it is high time that the government will collectively address these challenges and work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society for all.
Teddy Kahil, head of Social Rehabilitation Section of Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center III and Senior Specialists of PWD sector in ZamPen, emphasized that their sector should be left behind as they can also contribute to sustainable development goals and nation building, saying further that “the PWD has a potential component in nation building if they are given a chance”.
In the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the nation on the current state of affairs and laid out the government’s plans for the future. With this, the PWD still looks forward to programs and policies that will help improve the lives of the PWDs.
Kahil hopes to certify urgent the passage of the following bills on Creation of National Commission of persons with disabilities and disability support allowance.
Moreover, Kahil also highlighted that their sector has seen an opportunity in online learning since the pandemic, “because of online modality, the issue on accessibility in schools and work was addressed”.
The continuous call of PWD to the duty bearers is to review the existing laws and ordinances and to have a full and meaningful implementation of these laws. Further, the call for society is to extend their understanding, sensitivity and awareness to provide adjustment to PWDs in order to avoid deprivation of their rights. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
