THE Makati City local government has allocated P11.2 million for programs for the benefit of the city’s persons with disabilities (PWD).
Of the total PWD budget under the Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD), P5.9 million has been allocated for the provision of free mobility aids and P4 million for free movies benefit.
To date, over 7,000 registered PWDs in Makati City enjoy a number of privileges, such as unlimited admission in any of the city’s upscale cinemas to watch movies for free. The program was launched in 2007, during the term of former Mayor Jejomar C. Binay.
Rosie Manto, a 64-year-old PWD resident of Barangay East Rembo, expressed satisfaction with the services of the city government to PWDs. “Since I became a registered PWD of Makati eight years ago, I have been satisfied with the benefits provided by the city government. I really enjoy watching movies for free. I have no complaints,” she said.
Manto added that she appreciates the move of Mayor Abigail Binay to include some 2,858 PWDs among the recipients of the Pamaskong Handog bag of groceries for the first time last December.
Manto, a stroke victim, is currently the president of East Rembo PWD Association and serves as secretary to the PWD Federation of Makati. She also enjoys the privileges of being a BLU card holder, including biannual cash gifts.
City spokesman Michael Camiña said the lady mayor “is committed to empowering PWDs not by dole-outs and false promises, but by concrete programs that respect their dignity.
He said over 7,000 registered PWDs of Makati have access to free movies, mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers and crutches, and employment and livelihood assistance from city hall. Those with Yellow Cards are given free medicines and medical services at the city-run hospital.
They are also provided slots in the Special Program for the Employment of Students implemented by the city in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment.
Likewise, they are also given priority in parking areas and store lanes, discounts in food outlets, drugstores and other establishments, and fare discounts on the Metro Rail Transit, Light Rail Transit, provincial buses and local transport groups.