SOCIAL services committee chair Councilor Girlie Balaba wanted to pass an ordinance that provides people with disability (PWDs) with a social pension similar to what the indigent elderlies are receiving.

Balaba even called on the City Social Welfare and Development to expand the campaign to help the PWDs in the city, especially to identify the poor among them.

She clarified that the city's social department and other government agencies should come up with a comprehensive package of social protection services for over 5,000 PWDs.

“It is our pride to help the Kagay-anons with health problems by giving them the appropriate support that will make their lives easier,” said Balaba.

In this, she suggested giving social pensions to the poor PWDs and their families.

In the history of PWDs in the city for the year 2018-2020, she disclosed that there are 5,213 PWDs and of these, 2,564 are listed as being in low-income families or poor.

According to the Magna Carta of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), she said one of the services that can be provided by the government is to provide incentives to those who care for and live with PWDs.

During the regular session, Balaba said still there is no national law yet on social pensions for PWDs.

“What we will have is city ordinance to provide social pension to indigent families with PWD dependents,” said Balaba adding that the funds of which will be taken from the city's local budget.

Also, the Republic Act 10070, or establishing an institutional mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for PWDs in every province, city, and municipality, is still not being fully implemented, she said.

She added that another law BP 344, which mandates government and private buildings to have structural and architectural provisions for enhanced mobility and accommodation of PWDs, should also be strictly implemented.

“Kung makaya ang budget sa city, tulad ng sa senior citizens na mandatory na, unta parehas ra sa social pension sa senior citizens,” she said.

Balaba also explained that the monthly stipend, which amounts to P500 or P1,000 or depends on the amount the city government could provide will greatly help PWDs with their daily subsistence and other medical needs.

“A pension and more comprehensive package of social welfare services and development initiatives for PWDs will help the government further ease their burden on their dependents,” she said.

According to the Magna Carta of Persons with Disability, one of the services that can be provided by the government is to provide incentives to those who care for and live with PWDs.

Balaba said that Mayor Rolando Uy also expressed his support to the PWDs.