Iloilo City gov’t to issue discount IDs to PWDs
Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Iloilo City will soon enjoy a 5% discount per week from their grocery purchases when City Mayor Jerry Treñas distributes discount IDs to this sector soon.
Ms. Dolores Laudenorio, head of the Office of Persons with Disability Affairs, Iloilo City disclosed during the PIA-CATV program, that the activity is part of the government’s efforts to integrate persons with disabilities in the mean stream of society leading to their empowerment.
Laudernorio said that there were around 4,000 plus persons with disabilities registered in the City.
“As soon as these IDs were handed to the beneficiaries with booklets for groceries then they will be afforded with a 5% discount for a maximum purchase of P1,300 per week,” said Laudenorio.
She said the affair is part of the nationwide observance of the 31stNational Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR)Week which is set July 17-23, 2009.
According to Arnes D. Mateo of the DSWD 6, who is also the focal person of persons with disabilities, the observance will be highlighted with activities like a forum on Accessibility Law, cultural show, medical dental consultations, and many others.
To give more prominence and urgency to the celebration, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Administrative Order No. 35 on May 3, 2002 “Directing All Departments, Bureaus, Government-Owned and/or Controlled Corporations, Government Financial Institutions, Local Government Units, State Universities/Colleges and Schools and Other Government Agencies/Instrumentalities to Promote and Conduct Relevant Activities During the Annual Observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.”
It prescribes that fund necessary to carry out the provisions of this Administrative Order shall be sourced out from the appropriation stipulated under Sections 24 and 29 of the General Appropriations Act starting 2002 and every year thereafter whose amount shall be equivalent to not less than one percent (1%) of the total budget by the concerned government instrumentalities and agencies.
With the theme “31stNDPR Week: Tungo sa Katuparan ng Karapatan ng PWDs”, the annual observance aims to stimulatepublic awareness and support disability issues and concerns that will strengthen the involvement of the different government and non-government organizations including PWDs themselves and the media. (PIA6/T.Villavert)