QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10070)
To establish an institutional mechanism ensuring the implementation of programs and services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in every province, city, and municipality, amending RA 7277.
Section 40 of RA 7277 is amended. It focuses on the roles of national agencies and local government units in PWD programs and services.
A Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
The local chief executive appoints the PWD affairs officer; priority is given to qualified PWDs to head and man the office.
Among others: formulate and implement local policies/plans/programs for PWD welfare; coordinate implementation of RA 7277 and the Accessibility Law at the local level; represent PWDs in local development councils; recommend NGO/PO participation; gather/compile local PWD data; disseminate information and training/employment opportunities; submit implementation reports; ensure funding by national and local governments; monitor fundraising; seek lawful donations; and perform other necessary functions.
It coordinates with concerned national and local government agencies and represents/works with PWD organizations and in consultation/coordination with NCDA, NGOs, and POs (as stated in the law).
Local development councils and other special bodies.
Through the PDAO’s function to gather and compile relevant data on PWDs in its locality, including dissemination of relevant statistics.
Disseminate information such as programs and activities, statistics on PWDs (including children with disabilities), and training and employment opportunities for PWDs.
Yes. Both the national government (through DSWD ensuring annual budget provisions) and local government units are required to allocate necessary funds from local revenues for PWD programs and implementation of the law.
The PDAO must submit reports to the office of the local chief executive on the implementation of programs and services for the promotion of the welfare of PWDs.
Instead of creating a PDAO, the local chief executive may designate a focal person to perform the PDAO functions.
A PWD with experience in providing services to PWDs should be prioritized.
No. It should be done in consultation and coordination with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), NGOs, and POs.
Within three (3) years after the effectivity of the Act.
It shall recommend to Congress the need to mandate the establishment of a PDAO in fourth, fifth, and sixth class municipalities.
It amends references from “Disabled Persons” to “Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)” on the title and other sections of RA 7277.
Repeal: all laws inconsistent are repealed or modified. Separability: unconstitutional provisions do not affect validity of others. Effectivity: fifteen (15) days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, whichever comes first.
If any provision is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain valid and effective.