PDAO - Persons With Disability Affairs Office / Hinoba-an Neg. Occ.

17/08/2024

https://www.paralympic.org/sports

From Archery to Wheelchair Curling, the International Paralympic Committee currently sanctions 28 Paralympic sports. Find the full list here.

29/07/2024

28/07/2024

IDENTIFIED PINOY :-)

26/07/2024

Sir/Maam DILG DSWD NCDA & CSC

Bakit kailangan e-LEVEL ang requirement sa mga Normal na Tawo at si Maykapansanan?
Yon ba ang Ibig sabihin ng INCLUSIVE..?
And acquiring PWDs PRIORITY & PRIVILEGES..?

Take Consider hindi lahat na PWDs nakamtan ang bachelor degree. Buti kayo sa Luzon daming naka avail ng scholarship na mismo ang gobyerno ang nagpapaaral sa kanila. Dito sa VISAYAS at MINDANAO.. Minsan hanggang high school lang ang natapos ng isang PWD.. pero may capability at kakayahan na mag manages maging leader sa PWD Federation or Association as People Organization, as Directing the Implementation of the ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE Program for Persons With Disabilities – Executive Order No. 417. SECTION 2. Enhancement of the Social and Vocational Skills Capabilities of PWDs.

Bakit ang isang Barangay Kagawad na high school graduate lang ang natapos, nag served 3 years sa kanilang barangay.. after 3 years services may special law ang civil service na eligibility considered na ang kagawad?
Samantala ung isang PWD na naging PDAO Appointed/Designate at nag serve 9 Years, na mayron naman syang Bachelor Degree Holder, di nyo binigyan consideration as pursuant of PWD MAGNA CARTA Law ng ELIGIBILITY..?

The World is indeed Healing 👏🫶
Everyone should be included, if they can, give them that chance.. Zero Barriers.. 👏🫶
Don't put barriers sa kalagayan ng bawat PWDs na gustong mag asenso sa pagtrabaho sa gobyerno.




IN SUCH MANNER THAT: "IGNORANCE OF THE LAW EXCUSES NO ONE".
IRR RA 7277 PWD MAGNA CARTA
RULE IX
SECTION 1. PWDs DISCRIMINATION ON EMPLOYMENT
The public or private sector shall not discriminate against a qualified disabled person by reason of disability in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, promotion or discharge of employees, employees’ compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions and privileges of
employment.

1.2 Acts of Discrimination
The following shall constitute acts of discrimination:

a. limiting, segregating or classifying a disabled job applicant in such a manner that adversely affects his work opportunities;

b. using qualification standards, employment test or the selection criteria that screen out or tend to screen out a disabled person unless such standards, test or the selection criteria are shown to be job related for the position in question and are consistent with business necessity;

c. utilizing standards, criteria or methods with business necessity;

1. have the effect of discrimination on the basis of disability;

2. perpetuate the discrimination of others who are subject to common administrative control;

d. providing less compensation, such as salary, wage or other forms of remuneration and fringe benefits, to a qualified disabled employee, by reason of his disability, than the amount to which a non-disabled person performing the same work is entitled;

e. favoring a non-disabled employee over a qualified disabled employee with respect to promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants solely on account of the latter’s disability;

f. re-assigning or transferring a disabled employee to a job or position he cannot perform by reason of his disability;

g. dismissing or terminating the services of disabled employee by reasons of his disability unless the employer can prove that he impairs the satisfactory performance of the work involved to the prejudice of the business entity; provided that the employer first sought to provide reasonable accommodations for disabled persons;

h. failing to select or administer in the most effective manner employment test which accurately reflects the skill, aptitude or other factors of the disabled applicant or employee that such test purports to measure, rather than the impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills of such applicant or employee, if any; and

i. excluding disabled persons from membership in labor unions or similar organizations.

Republic Act No. 7277

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE REHABILITATION, SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND SELF-RELIANCE OF DISABLED PERSON AND THEIR INTEGRATION

INTO THE MAINSTREAM OF SOCIETY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

CHAPTER I Basic Principle

SECTION 1. Title: This Act shall be known and cited as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy: The grant of the rights and privileges for disabled persons shall be guided by the following principles:

(a). Disabled persons are part of the Philippine society, thus the Senate shall give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society.

Toward this end, the State shall adopt policies ensuring the rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons.

It shall develop their skills and potentials to enable them to compete favorably for available opportunities.

(b). Disabled persons have the same rights as other people to take their proper place in society. They should be able to live freely and as independently as possible. This must be the concern of everyone the family, community and all government and non-government organizations. Disabled person’s rights must never be perceived as welfare services by the Government.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall design and implement training programs that will provide disabled persons with vocational skills to enable them to engage in livelihood activities or obtain gainful employment. The Department of Labor and Employment shall likewise design and conduct training programs geared towards providing disabled persons with skills for livelihood.

SECTION 7. Apprenticeship : Subject to the provision of the Labor Code as amended, disabled persons shall be eligible as apprentices or learners; Provided, That their handicap is not much as to effectively impede the performance of job operations in the particular occupation for which they are hired; Provided, further, That after the lapse of the period of apprenticeship if found satisfactory in the job performance, they shall be ELIGIBLE for employment.

SECTION 46. Penal Clause :
(a) Any person who violates any provision of this Act shall suffer the following penalties:
1). for the first violation, a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P 50,000.00) but not exceeding One hundred thousand pesos(P 100,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than two (2) years, or both at the discretion of the court; and
2). for any subsequent violation, a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P 100,000.00) but not exceeding Two hundred thousand pesos (P 200,000.00) or imprisonment for less than two (2) years but not more than six (6) years, or both at the discretion of the court.
(b). Any person who abuses the privileges granted herein shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than six (6) months or a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P 5,000.00) but not more than Fifty thousand pesos (P 50,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court.
(c). If the violator is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the officials thereof directly involved shall be liable therefor.
(d). If the violator is an alien or a foreigner, he shall be deported immediately after service of sentence without further deportation proceedings.

25/07/2024

PBBM SONA 2024
HE STATED:
Tomorrow — the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini — we cap off National Disability Rights Week. Our PWDs can rest assured of government’s effective implementation of beneficial policies and programs that will guarantee equitable opportunities, special interventions, and incentives for them.

Mula nang pumasok ang Administrasyong ito, nagsimula na ang mga programang pangkabuhayan na nakalaan para sa ating mga PWD. Sa susunod na taon, ilulunsad naman ng PhilHealth ang benepisyo nito para sa mga batang may kapansanan. [applause]

Halos dinoble na rin ang diskwento na ibinibigay sa mga PWDs, at sa mga senior citizens na tulad ninyo para sa mga basic necessities at prime commodities. [applause] Natuwa kayong lahat doon.

Sa lahat ng mga ginagawa nating ito, katuwang natin palagi ang pribadong sektor, lalo na sa mahalagang bagay ng trabaho at pasahod.

25/07/2024

24/07/2024

Maiayos na pamalakad sa PWD SECTOR ang pinaka importante sa lahat Mr. PRESIDENT. We must be a nation of Law not of men.
24 years na akong nag trabaho sa LGUs as PWD casual employee. Bilang Bachelor Degree holder di pa rin naka position as regular employees sa gobyerno. :-(
Sa akin karanasan, masasabi kong walang silbi sa mga LGU's ung PWD MAGNA CARTA, at higit sa lahat ang napondar ng iyong ama na si FEM na PD 1509 National Commission on PWDs at BP 344 PWD Accessibility Law. Sana bago matapos ung 6 term mo bilang Pangulo.
We pray na maging mandatus at ma full implement sa lahat na LGU's ang BATAS ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas. :-(
Huwag nyo po sana pahintulutan na manatiling AMPON pa rin ang PWD SECTOR ng DSWD, at sana maibalik kung saan kami nag simula at na pondar ng iyong ama, at pag alaga ng Office of the President. :-(

23/07/2024

Last Day but not the least.

Today WE CELEBRATE the 160th Birth Anniversary of APOLINARIO MABINI.
The Intellectual Foundation of the Philippine Revolution, its "Sublime Paralytic.
May his wisdom and example continue to inspire Filipinos and the world he worked to bring closer.

"True honor is attained by teaching our minds to recognize truth, and training our hearts to love it." — Apolinario Mabini, La Revolucion Filipina

The PRIDE & MENTOR of PWDs Sector in the Philippines.

20/07/2024

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Batasang Pambansa

Fifth Regular Session

Begun and held in Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila, on Monday, the twenty-sixth day of July nineteen hundred and eighty-two.

BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 344

AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS BY REQUIRING CERTAIN BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONS, ESTABLISHMENTS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INSTALL FACILITIES AND OTHER DEVICES.

Be it enacted by the Batasang Pambansa in session assembled

SECTION 1. In order to promote the realization of the rights of disabled persons to participate fully in the social life and the development of the societies in which they live and the enjoyment of the opportunities available to other citizens, no license or permit for the construction, repair or renovation of public and private buildings for public use, educational institutions, airports, sports and recreation centers and complexes, shopping centers or establishments, public parking places, work-places, public utilities, shall be granted or issued unless the owner or operator thereof shall install and incorporate in such building, establishment, institution or public utility, such architectural facilities or structural features as shall reasonably enhance the mobility of disabled persons such as sidewalks, ramps, railings and the like. If feasible, all such existing buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities may be renovated or altered to enable the disabled persons to have access to them: Provided, however, That buildings, institutions, establishments, or public utilities to be constructed or established for which licenses or permits had already been issued may comply with the requirements of this law: Provided, further, That in case of government buildings, street and highways, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways shall see to it that the same shall be provided with architectural facilities or structural features for disabled persons.

In the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions, buildings, or establishment, or public utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled persons.

SECTION. 2. In case of public conveyance, devices such as the prominent display of posters or stickers shall be used to generate public awareness of the rights of the disabled and foster understanding of their special needs. Special bus stops shall be designed for disabled persons. Discriminating against disabled persons in the carriage or transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful.

SECTION. 3. The Minister of Public Works and Highways and the Minister of Transportation and Communications, in coordination with the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons, shall prepare the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION. 4. Any person violating any provision of this Act or of the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall, upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than one year or a fine of P2,000 to P5,000 or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That in the case of corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or associations, the president, manager or administrator, or the person who has charge of the construction, repair or renovation of the building, space or utilities shall be criminally responsible for any violation of this Act and/or rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

SECTION. 5. All laws, executive and administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with the foregoing provisions are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION. 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved.

(Signed)
QUERUBE C. MAKALINTAL
Speaker

This Act was passed by the Batasang Pambansa on December 7, 1982

(Signed)
ANTONIO M. DE GUZMAN
Secretary General

Approved: February 25, 1983

(Signed)
FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS
AS AMENDED OF BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 344
(Accessibility Law)
"An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments, and Other Public Utilities To Install Facilities and Other Devices."

Jointly Promulgated by:

The Department of Public Works and Highways
Port Area, Manila
The Department of Transportation and Communications
Pasig, Metro Manila

In coordination with:

The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons
(Accessibility Sector on the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons)
Diliman, Quezon City

RULE I - SCOPE AND APPLICATION
Purpose:
The Rules and Regulations set forth herein provide for minimum requirements and standards to make buildings, facilities and utilities for public use accessible to disabled persons, pursuant to the objectives of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, "An Act To Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices.

TAPOS GANITO PA RIN ANG RESULTA

18/07/2024

Na bigyan pansin ang katangahan at bangag na pag design oh pag plano at pag approved sa WHEELCHAIR RAMP of DEATH.
Na pwedi kang mag landing sa Hospital oh Cementerio. :-(

10/07/2024

10/07/2024

Sa mga Normal na PWD Leaders except sa totoong PWDs member na Lider.
PHOTO OPS sa Social Media, hindi yan guarante, na kunwaring may nagawa kayong kabutihan para sa kapakanan ng lahat..?
Na ang REALIDAD at RESULTA marami pa rin mga PWDs Member naka NGA-NGA at kinain na sa maling SESTIMA.
HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF :-(
Maintaining sa maling pag interpret ng BATAS. Batas na puro butas-butas para maka iwas. :-(

24/06/2024

Sa mga PWD Member nga may INTEREST mag ONLINE COURSES nga FREE.

10/06/2024

PDAO OFFICE

30/03/2024

# 🌹**KAALAMAN**🌹

By our PKMKPI BOT National President
Madam V. Corpuz PKMKPI National BOT President

> "Ang mga tao ay namamatay sa kawalan ng kaalaman" (Banal na Kasulatan Hosea 4:6)

Ang PWD National Group (Private Group) at Persons With Disability National Forum (Public Group) ay kapwa social media platform (opportunity) ng Pambansang Kapisanan ng mga May Kapansanan ng Pilipinas, Inc (PKMKPI) para sa Kaalaman. Halina at malaman.

DESCRIPTION: PKMKPI, a cross-disability national federation composed of Corporate Members from seventeen (17) regions, is the harnessed national Disability People’s Organization (DPO) of Persons With Work Related Disability (PWRD) and Persons With Disability which constituents are**: (**Ang PKMKPI, isang cross-disability national federation na binubuo ng mga Corporate Members mula sa labimpitong (17) rehiyon, ay ang pambansang Disability People’s Organization (DPO) ng mga Persons With Work Related Disability (PWRD) at Persons With Disability na kinabibilangan ng):
> **Regular **[*persons in ten (10) types of disability*]
**Auxiliary **[*immediate/primary family member of Regular*] and
**Honorary **[*relatives and friends]*.

Here are the 10 types of Disability:
1. Deaf / Hard of Hearing
2. Intellectual Disability
3. Learning Disability
4. Mental Disability
5. Psychosocial Disability (certified by a Psychiatrist)
6. Speech and Language Impairment
7. Visual Disability (certified by an Opthalmologist)
8. Cancer (R.A. 11215) (certified by an Oncologist)
9. Rare Disease (R.A.10747) (for consultation with DOH. The DOH can only certify on this kind of disability)
10. Physical / Orthopedic Disability**VISION**

We envision a society where persons with disability are treated with equality, dignity and respect for their expressed choices, and who have equal opportunities to participate in a society where abilities, rather than disabilities, are recognized
> Naiisip namin ang isang lipunan kung saan ang mga taong may kapansanan ay tinatrato nang may pagkakapantay-pantay, dignidad at paggalang sa kanilang ipinahayag na mga pagpipilian, at may pantay na pagkakataong lumahok sa isang lipunan kung saan kinikilala ang mga kakayahan, sa halip na mga kapansanan.

MISSION

Advance the dignity, equality, and self-determination of persons with disabilities.and work to pursue justice on matters related to human and legal rights.
> Isulong ang dignidad, pagkakapantay-pantay, at pagpapasya sa sarili ng mga taong may kapansanan.at magsikap na isulong ang hustisya sa mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa karapatang pantao at legal.

**OBJECTIVE**

"To attain dignified, empowered, self-sufficient, and self-reliant disability sector in the Philippines”
> "Upang makamit ang marangal, empowered, self-sufficient, at self-reliant disability sector sa Pilipinas"

**CORE VALUES**

Maka-Panginoon, Maka-Bansa, Maka-Tao, Maka-Kalikasan higit sa lahat, Maka-Kapansanan

**SLOGAN**

(Latin: Nihil de nobis, sine nobis) **Nothing About Us Without Us”**
# *Walang Tayo Kung Hindi Tayo*

**Ito ang mga dahilan at layunin kaya nabuo ang social media platforms na ito para sa mga May Kapansanan ng Pilipinas**

30/01/2024

PWDs FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
(Personal advocacy)

Refused a PWD discount? Where and how to file complaints.

MANILA — Persons With Disabilities should file formal complaints when refused discounts and other privileges at commercial establishments, an official of the National Council on Disability Affairs said.

(BAKIT MANILA LANG BA ANG SAKOP NG PILIPINAS?)
Jun Galupo Dacut
Jubert Lago
Fe V. Corpuz

Speaking on TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Sunday, lawyer Walter Alava, regional programs coordinator for the NCDA, said that they process around 10-20 complaints a month but acknowledged incidents may be underreported.

“Kailangan po nilang i-report sa [Department of Trade and Industry] or sa [Persons with Disability Affairs Office],” he said.

Complainants should also be ready to help authorities when they launch an investigation into the incident, he said.

“Usually po kasi, ang nangyayari, nagre-report sila, pero pag kino-contact namin sila for an investigation, nawawala sila.”

Under the Magna Carta for Persons With Disability, PWDs are entitled to at least a 20-percent discount on certain goods and services, including on food, medicines, transportation and accommodations. They are also exempted from paying Value-Added Tax.

Around 2,000 complaints filed on denied senior, PWD discounts.
Despite that, some establishments have refused to grant the discounts, saying these do not apply to promo prices or because they doubt the authenticity of the PWD ID presented.

“Ang suggestion ng NCAD, pinapaalalahanan natin na once you complain, assert ninyo yung right ninyo,” Alava said.

He said customers should also document the incident, put it in writing and submit an official complaint either with the PDAO that issued their PWD or the PDAO of the city or town where the incident happened.
(Ang hirap sa ibang LGU's especially sa Visayas Regions City & Munipality, may mga CMSWD/MSWD na may sarili din silang binuo na PDAO sa kanilang opisina, at sariling staff din nila ang ginawang PDAO Designated na hindi sinunod ang PDAO IRR at binasa ang kung qno ang kabuohan ng JMC 041-2023 DILG-NCDA-DSWD)

How to ensure PWDs' safety in a house fire
NON-APPARENT DISABILITIES

Alava acknowledged that PWDs who have non-apparent disabilities like psychosocial issues can have a difficult time at establishments.

He said that establishments that doubt the authenticity of a PWD card can call the PDAO that issued it to verify.

He added that authorities have been working on a national registry of PWDs, where more than 1 million have already registered.

“Hopefully, it can be used as a verifier doon sa mga IDs, pero medyo nagsa-start pa lang tayo,” he said.

NCAD is also working the Senate on a proposal to increase penalties for violations of the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, which Alava said are too low.

PWDs AWARENESS..!

18/06/2023

Presidential Decree 1509
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
Malacanang Palace, Manila

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1509

CREATING THE NATIONAL COMMISSION CONCERNING DISABLED PERSONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, the national government recognizes responsibility to provide the handicapped with the fullest measure of protection and assistance to help develop their abilities in all fields of endeavor and to promote their integration into the mainstream of society, as well as its primary duty for the prevention of physical and mental disabilities;

WHEREAS, the national government is also cognizant of the limitations of the existing system for delivery of services to the handicapped in this country and of the pressing need for the creation and development of new facilities to extend the range of rehabilitation services, as well as the expansion of existing ones to meet actual needs;

WHEREAS, there is an increasing awareness of the citizenry of the national problem of disability and of their joint responsibility with the government to be involved in the national effort to seek solutions to the problem;

WHEREAS, the national leadership notes, with great concern, that in the pursuit of this responsibility, there has been a proliferation of activities and programs for the welfare of the handicapped by government agencies and private organizations and that for lack of central direction and coordination, there is widespread overlapping and duplication of efforts, thereby resulting in the wastage of scarce resources and professional services and impairing the achievement of definite goals;

WHEREAS, the above conditions and the lack of organized and comprehensive information on the nature and extent of the national problem of disability, render it imperative for the national leadership to create a central authority that will direct, coordinate and integrate planning, management and implementation of all activities, national and local, public and private, pertaining to the welfare of the handicapped, in a manner which will ensure maximum and efficient utilization of human and natural resources for the attainment of this national goal, on the basis of comprehensive data and information.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the power vested in me by the constitution, do hereby order and decree:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. The government of the Republic of the Philippines hereby declares its full acceptance and support for the United Nations Economic and Social Council Resolution of May 6, 1975, particularly the following portion:

“Believing that the problem of disability is an appreciable component of the economic and social condition of every country and, consequently, that programs to prevent disability and to rehabilitate the disabled for an essential part of comprehensive plans for economic and social development, responsibility for which much be assumed by governments working, as appropriate, with non-governmental organization.”

SECTION 2. Creation of the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons. There is hereby created a National Commission hereinafter referred to as the “Commission”, which shall be under the supervision and control of the Office of the President of the Philippines.

SECTION 3. Objectives of the Commission.- The Commission shall have the following objectives:

a. To prepare and adopt an integrated and comprehensive long-term National Rehabilitation Plan, which will ensure the protection of the rights of the handicapped, provide services for their needs and at the same time insure adequate safeguards for the prevention of disability – taking into consideration the National Rehabilitation Plan prepared by an Ad-Hoc Committee that maybe created for this purpose;

b. To insure that all programs and services for the welfare of the handicapped are universal and accessible to all segments of society;

c. To conduct comprehensive and continuing studies on rehabilitation services on the problems and causes of disability, covering all major areas of concern – social, medical, education and vocational – and to make corresponding recommendations on the basis of its findings;

d. To propose new policies and new legislation, or amendments to existing ones, that will ensure the attainment of its objectives;

e. To act as overall coordinating body to rationalize the functions and activities of government agencies, private entities and international organizations operating in the Philippines, and the enforcement of laws related to and affecting the handicapped;

f. To establish, maintain and expand contacts with international public and private organizations concerned with the handicapped, and to keep abreast with international standards and the latest developments in the international rehabilitation community;

g. To act as a national consultative and advisory body to the President on matters within its competence;

h. To ensure the fullest participation and involvement of handicapped persons in the rehabilitation process; and

i. To educate and reorient the general public in its attitude and thinking in regard to the disabled.

SECTION 4. Powers and Functions of the Commission.

a. To monitor and evaluate all projects, programs and activities pertaining to the welfare of the handicapped and to take appropriate steps to ensure that they comply with established priorities, standards and guidelines;

b. To undertake continuing research studies or surveys on various topics pertaining to the rehabilitation of the handicapped;

c. To conduct public hearings, conferences, or meetings on any issues related to its areas of responsibility, as it deems appropriate

d. To maintain continuing educational, training and information programs to promote its objectives;

e. To maintain such implementing mechanisms as may be necessary to enable it to perform its role as the national coordinating body for all agencies and organizations concerned with the handicapped;

f. To prepare periodic reports to the President on the status of its activities;

g. To seek the assistance of or to commission any department, bureau, office, agency, state university or college and other government instrumentalities in the form of personnel, facilities and other resources when such assistance/commission is necessary for the attainment of its objectives;

h. To supervise in coordination with line agencies, pilot demonstration projects and programs; and

i. To establish standards and guidelines in the organization and management of rehabilitation facilities and programs;

j. To encourage the setting up of an office to disseminate information and relevant materials;

k. To make recommendations which would guarantee the establishment of a data banking system, to compile the latest information, statistics and materials pertaining to rehabilitation and related disciplines;

l. To encourage the setting up of a Central Reference Office for disabled clients in need of assistance and to establish linkage to maintain an effective referral system.

SECTION 5. Composition of the Commission. – All functions and powers of the Commission shall be vested in a Board of Commissioners, hereinafter referred to as the “Board”, which shall be composed of a chairman who shall be appointed by the President and the following as members;

a. Director General, National Economic and Development Authority
b. Secretary of Health
c. Secretary of Labor
d. Secretary of Social Services and Development
e. Secretary of National Defense
f. Secretary of Education and Culture
g. The Presidential Assistant of Legal Affairs
h. President of the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled, Inc.
i. President of Veterans Federation of the Philippines
j. Two (2) disabled persons to be selected by the Commission
k. Three (3) representatives from the private sector as members.

SECTION 6. Duties of the Chairman. – The Chairman shall perform the following duties;
a. To call and preside over the meetings of the Board;
b. To disburse, administer and obligate funds of the Commission, subject to the approval of the Board;
c. To conduct and manage the affairs of the Commission;
d. To ensure that the decision and policies of the Board are implemented;
e. To sign for and represent the Commission;
f. To accept on behalf of the Commission, gifts, grants or donations and to administer, obligate and disburse the same in accordance with policies and regulations promulgated by the Board;
g. To organize permanent or ad-hoc committee, consisting of members of the Board or such other experts as are deemed necessary for the discharge of the functions of the Commission.

SECTION 7. The Secretariat. The Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled, Inc. shall serve as the Secretariat for the Commission and will provide the machinery to coordinate policy functions, implementation of programs and the organization of such services as may be required by the Board in the exercise of its functions.

The Secretariat shall be headed by the Executive Director of the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled, Inc., who will also act as Action Officer and Secretary for the Commission.

The PFRD will be reimbursed for the actual cost of services performed for the Commission, upon certification of the PFRD President and approval of the Chairman.

SECTION 8. Meetings. The Board shall meet every month or oftener at the call of the Chairman.

Five (5) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. However, when a decision is made by such quorum, it must carry the unanimous vote of all five members to be valid.

SECTION 9. Appropriations. There is hereby appropriated the sum of one million five hundred thousand pesos out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated as initial operating funds of the Commission. Thereafter, such Commission shall be regularly included in subsequent annual general appropriation acts.

SECTION 10. Donations. – The Commission shall be authorized to receive grants, donations, contributions or gifts in whatever sources, which will then be administered, obligated or disbursed in accordance with the terms thereof, or, in the absence of such terms, in such manner as the Board may determine. All such grants, donations, contributions or gifts to the Commission shall be exempt from customs duties, income and gift taxes and shall be deductible in full and shall be included for purposes of computing the maximum deductible under Section 30, paragraph of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

SECTION 11. Definition of Terms. The following terms as used in this decree shall have the meanings indicated below:

a. DISABILITY. The lack of or impairment of a physical or mental development of function of an individual resulting from diseases, illness, accident, or social trauma, occurring pre- nataly or acquired post-nataly, thereby imposing limitations or barriers to independent living, intersocial relationships, mobility, education and employment.

b. HANDICAP. A disadvantage suffered by a person which makes achievement unusually difficult because of some physical and/or psycho-social impairment. It also refers to the cumulative effect of obstacles which the disadvantage interpose between the individual and his maximum functional level.

c. REHABILITATION. The restoration of the disabled or handicapped to the fullest physical, mental, social, and economic usefulness of which he is incapable within the limitation of the disability of the handicap.

SECTION 12. Repealing Clause. All laws and Executive Orders, or parts thereof, contrary to, or inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 13.Effectivity. This decree shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 11th day of June, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen hundred and seventy eight.

(SGD.) FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) JUAN C. TUVERA
Presidential Assistant