Puerto princesa: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday appealed to all stakeholders to strongly collaborate with the persons with disabilities (PWD) sector to ensure that they also benefit from the country's programs and services.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of aligning with the principle of 'nothing about us, without us' to dismantle barriers hindering the full participation of PWDs. His message was delivered by DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo during the 3rd National Conference of Persons with Disabilities in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The conference, organized by the League of Persons with Disability Affairs Offices in the Philippines, Inc. (LPDAOPI) in collaboration with the city government of Puerto Princesa and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), serves as a platform to promote inclusive local governance and advance the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities nationwide.

Gatchalian highlighted the immense potential of PWDs in various fields, emphasizing the need to uphold and champion their rights. He called for strengthening policies and programs that support their full inclusion and equal participation in society.

The DSWD and NCDA are making efforts to empower PWDs through community-based and center-based programs. Initiatives include creating a unified PWD identification card and launching the Persons with Disabilities Electric Transportation Services (PWD-ETS) project. The unified PWD ID is expected to be rolled out in 35 participating local government units by October, and discussions are underway with the Department of Transportation to expand the PWD-ETS project for commercial use.