RDC pushes for compliance 

In establishment of PDAOs 

TAGBILARAN CITY, July 4 (PIA)—Local Government Units (LGUs) which are non-compliant with the provisions of Republic Act 10070 or the Magna Carta for Dis-abled Persons may soon get a gentle reminder from concerned agencies, this as the Regional Development Council in Region 7 (RDC-7) has pushed for actions relative to this. 

During its recent Full Council Meeting held at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City, June 29, the RDC-7 Secretariat noted that through the Department of Social welfare and Development, it has already sent copies of the RDC Resolution No. 18, Series of 2018 to non-compliant LGUs. 

The RDC Resolution enjoined concerned LGUs in central Visayas to comply with the provisions of the Magana Carta for Disabled Persons. 

The DSWD 7 also told the RDC that they have requested these LGUs to update the government agencies about actions taken along this line. 

According to the implementing rules and regulations of the law, the DSWD is tasked to advocate for the establishment of Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) through the Regional Council on Disability Affairs, chaired by its Regional Directors. 

Moreover, the DSWD is also tasked to provide technical assistance and resource augmentation for the programs and services of newly established and existing PDAO through its regional offices and support capacity building activities of PDAO personnel within the region in coordination with the National Council on Disability Affairs. 

The Act, which establishes the institutional mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for persons with disabilities in every town and city and province. 

Rule 4, Section 5 of the Magna Carta mandates the establishment of Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) as a department, division or section in all provinces, cities, and all municipalities under the office of the governor, city or municipal mayors. 

In Section 6, it says the local legislatives shall pass an Ordinance creating the PDAO organizational structure, staffing pattern and its annual appropriation to carry out its functions, while in lower class towns, (4th, 5th, and 6th class), the mayor shall designate or appoint a Focal Person to perform the functions of PDAO. 

Local Government units, on the other hand shall ensure the implementation of RA No.10070 and allocate funds to fulfill the obligations of the office in serving the needs of persons with disabilities, according to the IRRs Rule 9. 

Over this, the Department of Interior and Local Government is tasked to provide an annual report on provinces, cities and municipalities compliant with this law, incorporate the presence of PDAO as another monitoring indicator of the Local Governance Performance and Management System (LGPMS). 

It shall also provide technical assistance to LGUs and concerned personnel through its Local Government Operations Officers in establishing the PDAO and ensure dissemination of all disability related information, memorandum circulars and disability related documents to local government agencies and units. 

For this, the Department of Budget and Management shall ensure that PDAO position is listed in the index of Occupational Services for provinces, cities and municipalities, as the Civil Service Commission also ensures compliance in the appointment of regular employees for PDAO in accordance with the Civil Service Law. 

The RDC in Region 7 believes that persons with disabilities are part of the Philippine society, and thus the State shall give full support to the improvement of their total well – being and their integration into the mainstream of society. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

RDC Chairman Kenneth Cobonpue, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto and NEDA 7 Efren carreon hand in plaques of appreciation to retiring members of the RDC. The RDC also urged LGUs to set up the mandated PDAOs in their respective areas to help the PWDs actualize their rights and privileges. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)