Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 417)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 417 is to direct the implementation of the Economic Independence Program for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to promote their welfare, development, and integration into mainstream society.
All national government agencies including government owned and controlled corporations are enjoined to support and cooperate in the implementation of the Economic Independence Program for PWDs.
DSWD is tasked to develop and implement a national social preparation program focusing on moral values and work ethics of entrepreneurs with disabilities and to facilitate post-identification activities including assisting PWD organizations to source equipment and operational assistance. It shall also enhance social and vocational rehabilitation training centers and sheltered workshops.
The Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority shall develop a system of equivalency to ensure PWDs access to employment and entrepreneurship and TESDA shall implement unified training programs to make PWDs self-reliant.
All Government Agencies, including State Universities and Colleges, Government Financial Institutions and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and Local Government Units are enjoined to employ PWDs whenever applicable.
Government agencies and local government units are required to procure at least 10% of their requirements for goods and services from cooperatives and organizations of PWDs, where possible and applicable.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), shall develop and implement marketing promotion and product development and create a database of PWD organizations and a directory of PWD products and services.
DPWH and HUDCC shall conduct an inventory of unused government buildings for free temporary usage as work centers for PWDs near strategic areas such as export processing zones to support viable endeavors by PWDs.
The Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, People's Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), Quedancor, and National Livelihood Support Fund are directed to make funds available for credit requirements of eligible PWD cooperatives and organizations.
The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) is designated as the lead agency to formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations in consultation with stakeholders.
All concerned government agencies are required to submit at least semi-annual reports on the implementation of the Economic Independence Program for PWDs to the NAPC and the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons.
This Executive Order took effect immediately upon its signing on March 22, 2005.