By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines -Josefina Pante, 63, assumed her role as the new president of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) women’s organization in Naga City on April 30 of this year.
Just three months into her term, Pante has already visited 15 of the 27 barangays in the city to coordinate with members and mobilize their organization. Despite being new to the role, she has actively shared her knowledge with fellow PWDs regarding their rights and available opportunities.
Pante is also planning to organize seminars on climate change, health, and wellness to help members take better care of themselves while further strengthening women’s empowerment.
Beyond raising awareness, she aims to help PWD women find more livelihood opportunities, especially in communities where members struggle to sustain their income.
She envisions establishing livelihood projects in every barangay with government support.
“I hope we can have livelihood projects because some of them cannot focus on their work due to lack of funds. They need assistance from the government,” she said.
For Pante, providing opportunities for PWD women to earn is essential for strengthening their ability to participate more actively in their communities.
Her call for greater support aligns with a seminar conducted by the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Persons with Disabilities Sectoral Council (NAPC-PWDSC) on Aug. 18 in Naga City, which focused on the rights of PWDs, sectoral inclusion, and innovative regional initiatives for the community.
Cheryl Fernandez, 38, from Barangay Balatas, is the president of the PWD Vendors Association, which focuses on selling dried bouquets and wooden flowers.
She shared that the seminar has strengthened her leadership skills, which she hopes to pass on to her fellow members with the continued support of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) in Naga City.
Michelle Cuevas, 54, from Barangay Dayangdang, leads the PWD Bakers Cooperative, which is in the early stages of developing its business and awaiting approval from Mayor Leni Robredo for new baking equipment.
“Napakalaking tulong kasi po dahil dito marami akong nalaman na puwede kong mai-apply sa ongoing na binigay na livelihood programs sa amin. And mostly, ang accessibility, inclusivity at ‘yung empowerment,” she said.
(This is a huge help because I learned a lot that I can apply to our ongoing livelihood program, especially about accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment.)
Cheryl and Michelle’s experiences underscore the need for stronger support for PWD initiatives.
A highlight of the event was the “Gawad Pagkilala Award” presented to Naga City for its exemplary leadership in promoting PWD rights.
Paul John Barrosa, head of PDAO, emphasized the importance of community-level support for PWDs and highlighted the government’s commitment to PWD programs through the enactment of the first PWD Code in the Philippines.
Barrosa expressed hope for the strengthened implementation of the PWD Code, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, and other proposed measures in Congress, advocating for PDAO offices in every municipality and increased funding for PWD services.
Nolan Banda, NAPC head executive assistant, emphasized the agency’s commitment to advancing PWD rights and participation in government policies, noting their pursuit of six proposed measures in Congress to enhance PWD involvement in decision-making.
“Binibigyan natin ng pagkilala ‘yung participation ng PWDs kaya mayroon kaming anim na panukala sa Kongreso na talagang tinututukan namin,” he said.
(We recognize the important role of PWDs in decision-making, which is why we are closely pursuing six proposed measures in Congress.) (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story/PIA Bicol)
