DSWD Undersecretary Parisya H. Taradji (right) leads PWDs while crossing the symbolic pedestrian crossing along MMDA grounds in Makati City for pedestrians with disabilities during the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
To ensure equal access and safety on the road of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will undertake a project for the construction of PWD-friendly pedestrian crossings. The project was launched at the MMDA grounds in Makati City . The launching was part of the December 2012 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Undersecretary Parisya Taradji led the launching together with Mr. Emer Rojas, sector representative of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Captain Oscar Talleon, president of AKAP-Pinoy, Ms. Corazon Jimenez, general manager of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Ms. Carmen Zubiaga, Acting Executive Director of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).
During the launching, Undersecretary Taradji stated that efforts exerted by the government and concerned groups are geared towards advocating for equal access and opportunities for PWDs.
“Equal access not only means that PWDs are not discriminated in educational and employment opportunities to enable them to achieve self-sufficiency and better lives, but it also encompasses removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all,” Undersecretary Taradji said.
For his part, Captain Oscar Talleon (retired) who is visually impaired, expressed his gratitude to the government for “providing PWDs easier access and mobility through these pedestrian crossings.”
Pedestrian crossings, each equipped with audio warning device for the blind, will be installed at the corner of Aurora Boulevard corner J.P. Rizal Street in Project 4, and another near Isetann mall, both in Cubao, Quezon City; and at Santolan Road corner Marcos Highway in Pasig City.
Meanwhile, the DSWD continues to implement community-based and center-based programs and services to empower and help PWD sector improve their lives.
In 2012, the DSWD served a total of 911 PWDs. Of this number, some 119 children and youth with disabilities availed of the “Tuloy Aral, Walang Sagabal” (TAWAG) program. A total of 1,959 PWDs also availed of livelihood skills training and psychosocial counselling, among others, in DSWD- managed centers and institutions.
The DSWD, through its attached agency, the NCDA, also continues to monitor the implementation of PWD-related laws, such as RA 6759 (An Act declaring August 1 of each year as White Cane Safety Day in the Philippines, and for other purposes), RA 7277 (An Act providing for the Rehabilitation, Self-development and Self-reliance of Disabled Persons and their Integration into the Mainstream of Society and for other purposes), RA 9442 (An Act amending Republic Act NO. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, and for other purposes), and Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 (An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices. ###
