Title
Economic Independence for PWDs EO No.417
Law
Executive Order No. 417
Decision Date
Mar 22, 2005
An executive order is issued in the Philippines to protect the rights and promote the welfare of persons with disabilities, outlining funding mechanisms, vocational training, employment opportunities, and accessible work centers for PWDs.
A

Mandatory Implementation of Economic Independence Program

  • All national government agencies and government-owned or controlled corporations must support and cooperate in the Economic Independence Program for PWDs.

Enhancement of Social and Vocational Skills

  • Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): Develop national social preparation programs focusing on moral values and work ethics of PWD entrepreneurs.
  • Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA): Develop a system of equivalency to improve PWD access to employment and entrepreneurship.
  • TESDA: Implement unified training programs enhancing basic organizational and entrepreneurial skills to promote self-reliance among PWDs.
  • Cooperative Development Authority (CDA): Promote cooperative organizing and development programs for PWDs.

Market Access for PWD Products and Services

  • Government agencies and local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to employ PWDs where applicable.
  • Government offices and LGUs are to procure at least 10% of their goods and services requirements from PWD cooperatives and organizations, whenever feasible.
  • Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): Develop marketing promotion, product development initiatives, and maintain a database of PWD organizations and their products.
  • Government offices must allocate display spaces for PWD products upon request.
  • Philippine Information Agency to promote positive public perception by focusing on PWDs' abilities.

Provision of Accessible Work Centers

  • Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC): Inventory unused government buildings for temporary use as accessible work centers for PWDs.
  • DSWD: Facilitate post-identification activities, assist in sourcing equipment, and enhance social and vocational rehabilitation centers and sheltered workshops.

Capital and Financial Support for Livelihood Programs

  • Development banks and financial institutions (Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank, PCFC, Quedancor, National Livelihood Support Fund) to provide credit and financial services to eligible PWD cooperatives and organizations.
  • PCFC to encourage its microfinance affiliates to offer programs tailored to PWD entrepreneurs and develop microfinance schemes for PWD micro-enterprises.

Governance, Rules, and Oversight

  • National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC): Lead agency responsible for formulating the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) within 60 days of the Order's approval.
  • Concerned agencies must develop guidelines and incorporate relevant programs and activities into their work and financial plans.
  • NAPC retains policy oversight over the Executive Order's implementation.

Reporting and Monitoring

  • Government agencies must submit semi-annual reports on the Economic Independence Program's progress to the NAPC and National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons.

Effectivity

  • The Executive Order takes immediate effect upon signing.

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