Persons with disabilities (PWDs) from Barangays 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 received their financial assistance from the City Government of Davao, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), on Friday as part of the launching and ceremonial payout of the annual PWD subsidy.
The 508 PWDs are among the qualified beneficiaries for the Php 1,500 annual financial subsidy.
The ceremonial payout was held at Rizal Park during the kick-off of the 48th National Disability Rights Week celebration.
Julie Dayaday, Head of the CSWDO, said that this year’s event not only celebrates the rights of PWDs, but also recognizes the realities that they continue to face.
“Today is even more meaningful because it also marks the launching of Ordinance No. 049-25, Series of 2025, granting annual financial assistance to all qualified persons with disability in Davao City,” she added.
“Na-aprobahan ni last year, karon atoang i-launch, and we will be having our ceremonial payout with Barangay 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Do not worry because other barangays magsunod naman ta, magsugod na mo, ato lang sa ning unahon for our launching and ceremonial activity (This was approved last year, and today we’re starting the roll-out of the subsidy with Barangays 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. For other PWDs living in other barangays, don’t worry because your schedules for payout will follow),” Dayaday said, assuring that other qualified PWDs will soon receive their subsidy in the coming days.
She also emphasized how this landmark is a significant milestone for the city in its journey toward becoming more inclusive and compassionate.
“It reflects the commitment of the City Government of Davao to move beyond advocacy and translate our shared vision into concrete support that promotes dignity, participation, and improves the quality of life of our persons with disability,” Dayaday furthered.
Meanwhile. Atty. Redendo Martinez, Head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), shared during the ISpeak Media Conference, that the city currently has around 45,000 PWDs. He also bared that for PWDs to qualify for the subsidy, they are required to have PWD IDs issued by the PDAO, and proof of residency showing that they are residents of the city for at least 3 years.
These requirements should be submitted to the PDAO once the registration for the next roll-out starts.
Martinez also urged PWDs who experience discrimination to reach out to their office for assistance, assuring that the concerns of the PWDs are addressed properly.
“Kung naa’y mga discrimination, they can go to my office and they can file their grievances there so that we may call the attention of that person involved and remind them that acts like discrimination are against the law (If they experience discrimination, they can go to my office to file their grievances so that we can call the attention of the perpetrator and remind them that this is a crime).” he said.
The CSWDO also continues to work hand-in-hand with partner agencies and the PWD communities to ensure that PWDs are not merely recipients of services, but also active participants in development.
“One concrete example is the strengthening of our Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), and active participation of our persons with disability organization in local governance and policy-making ensuring that programs are designed with them, not just for them,” Dayaday said.
Dabawenyo PWDs are urged to check the official Facebook Page of the CSWDO for further information on the schedules and venues of the payout for their subsidy. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: E. Morata