Defensor assures PWDs of support from Capitol
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. has assured persons with disabilities in Iloilo province that they will have the support of the provincial government.
Defensor, in his message during the culmination activity of the 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week Friday, said he will be calling for a strategic planning with stakeholders on how the provincial government can extend assistance to the handicapped or PWDs.
“I will try my best to prove to you that I mean what I say,” Defensor said.
The governor admitted that the PWDs lack support from the government because of shortage of funds, but he said there are ways in which their potentials and skills can be developed for them to become useful members of the society.
“I believe that with proper support and assistance, persons like you can excel and will be able to reach levels and heights as the others who don’t have disability,” Defensor said.
Mario Abaygar, vice chairman of the Regional Council on Disability, said that with the help of the local government units, they are pushing to make Iloilo a handicapped-friendly province.
Based on their data, Iloilo province has 169,187 PWDs.
However, only 7,050 differently-abled persons have been registered by their organizations.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Neneth Pador hosted the culminating activity for the 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.
