SAN JOSE – The Province of Antique is the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to have a Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).

This is in compliance to the provisions of Republic Act 10070 of 2010 also known as an Act Establishing an institutional mechanism to ensure the program and services for persons with disabilities in every province, city and municipality, amending Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Lazaro Petinglay, provincial social welfare and development officer, said in a meeting of Provincial Council for Persons with Disabilities (PCPD) that the office was created last 2010 by virtue of Provincial Ordinance 2010-55.

"Though we started small, PDAO being attached to Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, it has created some impact in the lives of PWDs," he said.

"PDAO has its own share of budget and managed by PWDs themselves," he added.

However, under the new law, PDAO will now be under the Office of the Governor which will also serve as secretariat to the PCPD.

Amie Dava, a PWD herself who was designated as PDA Officer, shared some of their accomplishments.

Among which are PWDS representation to council and meetings which concerns their sector, conduct of trainings to PWD organized groups, beneficiaries of NGO and government programs that gave out free wheelchairs and prosthetics and free consultations and assessments for PWDs who are visually and hearing impaired.

In addition, some PWD associations have also received livelihood fund and training from the Department of Labor and Employment. It has also received support from multi-sectoral groups for the annual celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week slated July 17 to 23 every year.

Petinglay reiterated that PWDs also enjoy privileges like 20 percent discount on purchase of medicines in all drug stores for their exclusive use and enjoyment, medical and dental checkup including diagnostic, laboratory and professional services both in private and public hospitals.*PIA