Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) reported that its 19 employees with disabilities were hired and retained based on their qualifications and performance, rather than their disabilities.

According to Philippines News Agency, officer-in-charge Regional Director Enrique Gascon emphasized that these employees undergo the same performance management process as their peers. He noted that the renewal of their appointments is evidence of their adherence to performance standards required for their roles. "Indeed, they are performing. They are part of the regular workforce carrying out the department's mandate," Gascon stated.

Gascon highlighted that the agency's workforce includes individuals with physical and visual impairments, as well as a staff member battling cancer. Currently, DSWD-CAR employs approximately 1,400 regular, job order, and contract-of-service personnel throughout the region.

The employees with disabilities are engaged in a range of positions, such as middle managers, information technology specialists, field workers, and even a driver. Gascon stressed that all applicants are provided with equal employment opportunities as long as they meet the qualifications necessary for their roles.

While these employees are treated like all other staff members, they receive reasonable accommodations when necessary. This includes alternative work arrangements based on their requests and the nature of their work. "We provide them alternative work arrangements if necessary, depending on their request and the nature of their work because when we hired them, we made sure they were qualified for the positions they applied for," Gascon explained.