City creates office for persons with disability
The city government here recently created the Office of Persons with Disability Affairs (OPDA) that will cater to the needs, welfare and development of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued Executive Order 42-2008 creating the special office pursuant to Executive Order 437 which encouraged the implementation of community based rehabilitation (CBR) for persons with disabilities in the country.
It is also in compliance to the implementation of Republic Act 7277 and 9442 of the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons and the Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law.
Dolores M. Laudenorio was designated as head of OPDA who shall handle the affairs and perform the functions of the OPDA. It is housed together with the city social welfare and development office (CSWDO) along MH del Pilar St., Molo district.
Laudenorio was cited by the city government and the SP committee on women affairs as outstanding woman of 2008 representing the disabled sector.
Under the law, OPDA requires local government units, line agencies, bureau chiefs, media entities, heads of state colleges and universities, people’s organizations, non-government organizations, barangay captains, barangay health workers, Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen and local communities to participate and implement plans, programs, projects and services that promote the mainstreaming of persons with disabilities.
Laudenorio is calling on all heads of schools, organizations, foundations or associations that cater to persons with disabilities to come to OPDA for proper guidelines and recommendations about the coming issuance of the national ID system. (PNA)