RCDA-NCR Conducts Lecture on PWD Laws

As part of its capacity building program to empower its members, the Regional Council on Disability Affairs- National Capital Region (RCDA-NCR) conducted a lecture on the Laws on Persons with Disabilities, last June 11, 2010 at the Quality Life Discoveries Building, Cubao, Quezon City.

The activity was the first in the series of lectures under the Committee on Education wherein ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon is a member. RCDA-NCR is headed by DSWD-NCR Regional Director Thelsa Biolena as Chair and Mr. Ranil Sorongon of ASP as Vice Chair.

RCDA-NCR conducted a lecture on the Laws on Persons with Disabilities

Mrs. Ruth Tacujan, Regional Coordinator of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) explained the provisions of the Republic Act 9442 (or the amended Republic Act 7222, Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities). She gave more focus on the privileges of PWDs.

Frustration can lead to Indignation

The Philippines has a lot of PWD laws, but sad to say, claimholders are not familiar of these laws. Even more so, some establishments continue to be reluctant in the providing these services, or open disregard to existing provisions.

Atty. Minerva Ambrosio, the Legal Retainer of DSWD-NCR discussed the salient points of RA 7277 and RA 9442; the Batas Pambansa 344 (Accessibility Law), plus other pertinent laws for persons with disabilities.

The PWD sector is planning to file a case against drug retailers who refuse to honor the 20% discounts on medicines due to PWDS. Click here to to read more about the issue.

Atty. Ambrosio gave a very comprehensive lecture on the “step by step process” on how to file cases against violators. Afterwards, a very lively open forum followed with LGUs, NGOs and PWD organization participants throwing relevant questions to the attorney. Others eagerly listened and took down notes of her answers.

Special thanks to Mrs. Mary Ann Cua of Quality Life Discoveries (QLD) for hosting the meeting.

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ASP believes that claimholders should be educated on their rights and privileges. We continue to work hard keeping you posted on the latest news on PWD laws. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com or visit our ASP Community Website, or call us 7-903-5496.