Press Release
May 29, 2008

LOREN FILES BILL CREATING PERSONS DISABILITIES
OFFICES IN ALL LGUs

Senator Loren Legarda yesterday filed Senate Bill No. 2323 proposing the creation of a Persons Disabilities Office in every province, municipality and city to ensure the proper support and protection of persons with disabilities.

In her explanatory note, Loren pointed out that the Constitution recognizes the significance of persons with disabilities in Philippine society. It provides for the establishment of a special agency for their rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance, and integration into the mainstream of society.

"Persons with disabilities are a country's important endowments. Their rights and privileges must be protected and equal opportunities must be afforded to them to develop their abilities in all fields of human endeavor," Loren declared.

She asserted that Republic Act No. 7277, otherwise known as "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", was enacted to ensure that disabled persons are provided access to employment opportunities, quality education, health and social services, among others, for them to attain their fullest potential and become active participants in nation building.

Loren explained that her bill seeks to further improve the welfare of persons with disabilities through the creation of a Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office in every province, city and municipality to ensure that they are adequately supported and protected.

In her bill, Loren proposed that RA 7277 be amended to provide that local governments shall promote the establishment of organizations of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their respective territorial jurisdictions. National agencies and local governments may enter into joint ventures with organizations or associations of [disabled persons] PWDs to explore livelihood opportunities and other undertakings that shall enhance the health, physical fitness and economic social well-being of [disabled persons] PWDs.

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