Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10070)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 10070 is to establish an institutional mechanism to ensure the implementation of programs and services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in every province, city, and municipality in the Philippines.
Section 40 of Republic Act No. 7277, as amended, was further amended by Republic Act No. 10070.
Local government units are required to organize and establish Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAO) in every province, city, and municipality.
Priority shall be given to qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs) to head and man the PDAO.
Functions include formulating and implementing welfare policies for PWDs, coordinating implementation of disability laws locally, representing PWDs in local councils, recommending NGO participation, compiling data on PWDs, disseminating information, submitting reports, ensuring funding, monitoring fundraising activities, seeking donations, and performing other necessary functions to promote PWD welfare.
Yes, local chief executives of fourth, fifth, and sixth class municipalities may designate a focal person to perform PDAO functions instead of creating an office, considering budget restraints.
Priority should be given to a PWD with experience in providing services to PWDs.
The Act requires establishment but does not specify a time limit for creation; however, review is mandated within three years to assess the need for PDAO establishment in lower-class municipalities.
The DSWD heads the agencies that will review the implementation of the Act within three years and ensures that the national budget includes provisions to fund programs and support for PWDs.
It changes all references from "Disabled Persons" to "Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)" to emphasize dignity and inclusion.
The National Government, through the DSWD, is mandated to include funding for PWD programs in the annual budget, and local government units must allocate funds from local revenues for implementation.
PDAO offices coordinate with the implementation of RA 7277, Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (Accessibility Law), and other relevant disability-related laws.
The rest of the provisions of the Act will remain valid and effective, as per the separability clause.
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, whichever came first.
NGOs and POs are encouraged to participate in implementing all disability-related laws and policies, and their involvement is coordinated by the PDAO.