The Department of Social Welfare and Development  (DSWD) through the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA)  appeals to establishments to grant  20 percent discount and  VAT-free on purchases of certain goods and services made by persons with disabilities (PWDs) as specified under Republic Act (RA)10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs.

NCDA Dir. Carmen Reyes-Zubiaga  disclosed  yesterday during the airing of DSWD “MayMalasakit” radio program over DZRH that there are establishments that do not recognize the expanded rights and privileges of PWDs despite the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 10754.

“Mayroon tayong mga natatanggap na report na mayroong mga establisimyento na hindi kinikilala ang mga benefits ng PWDs. Alam nila ang batas, ngunit hindi nila ito sinusunod. Katulad na lamang ng mga drugstores na hindi nagbibigay ng diskwento para sa gamot ng PWDs (We have received reports that there are establishments that do not recognize the benefits of PWDs. They know the law, but they do not follow it. Just like certain drugstores that do not give discounts on the purchase of medicines of PWDs),”  Dir. Zubiaga said.

“Mayroon pong mga penalties na nag-aantay sa mga lalabag sa batas. Kasama dito ang pagbabayad ng multa na aabot sa P200,000 at pagkakakulong ng aabot sa hanggang anim na taon (There are penalties for violators of the law.  These include a fine of up to P200,000 and imprisonment of up to six years),” Dir. Zubiaga added.

She urged the public to report violators to the NCDA. The public may call numbers 9516033 or 9522809.

The availment of expanded privileges for PWDs under RA 10754 commenced on December 23, 2016 after the signing of its IRR on December 1 and the subsequent publication on December 8.

Salient features of the law include 20% discount and exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on the purchase of certain goods and services; reiteration of the rights of PWDs to social insurance; educational assistance; special discounts in the purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities; and express lanes in all commercial and government establishments.

Its unique features include the provision of tax incentives for those caring for and living with persons with disabilities up to the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity, and the inclusion of certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs in the definition of drug or medicine in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration’s cut off as well as foods for special medical purposes.

Other services for PWDs

Other than the Magna Carta for PWDs and RA 10754, the Philippines is also a signatory to the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD), which underscores the protection of the rights and dignity of  the PWD sector.

For its part, the DSWD provides programs and services for PWDs, including livelihood training, capital assistance, and employment through Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshops.

The Department also has residential facilities and non-residential facilities, where it provides trainings and workshops for PWDs to help them hone their skills for eventual employment.

Non-residential facilities include the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) in Quezon City, Center for the Handicapped in Cotabato City, and the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Centers (AVRC) in Dagupan, Cebu, and Zamboanga Cities. Residential facilities, on the other hand, include Elsie Gaches Village in Alabang, Sanctuary Center in Mandaluyong City, and Tulong Aral Para Walang Sagabal (TAWAG).

Earlier this week, the DSWD announced the construction of a model Disability Resource and Development Center (DRDC) at the NCDA compound at Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City. The facility will provide skills training, display crafts made by PWDs, and showcase customized assistive devices. It will serve as a hub of information, program and policy development, capacity building, and networking for PWDs.

Aired every Thursday from 2:00-3:00 PM over DZRH, the DSWD “May Malasakit” radio program tackles the different programs and services of the Department to assist poor Filipinos. ###