The 21st Davao City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance granting an annual financial subsidy of Php 1,500 to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Davao City.
Councilor Lorenzo Benjamin D. Villafuerte, chair of the SP Committee on Social Services, said the measure aims to provide much-needed support for PWDs, particularly for expenses related to medication, therapy, and other needs.
“This will be for all persons with disabilities regardless of their status, unsa’y severity sa disability, apparent or non-apparent (whatever the severity of the disability, whether apparent or non-apparent),” Villafuerte said.
He noted that currently, the city has an estimated 37,000 registered PWDs who are expected to benefit from the program but the number may still increase.
Villafuerte stressed that proof of residency is a key requirement for PWDs to avail of the program.
“Nag-require mi og certificate of residency for at least three years (We are requiring a certificate of residency for at least three years),” he said, adding that this will be issued by the barangay.
The councilor also said that the ordinance provides for penalties ranging from Php 3,000-5,000 in case barangay officials issue a false certificate of residency—for example, if the person is a relative or acquaintance from another place who has only lived here for three or six months.
Penalties may also be faced by some who makes a claim on behalf of a person with disability (PWD) without being authorized as representative.
The ordinance also provides for those who are authorized to secure the requirements of PWDs.
Villafuerte said the financial assistance program will officially begin in 2027, as the budget for the subsidy was not included in next year’s.
“I urge all PWDs nga magparegister na para maka-avail mi sa subsidy program for PWDs (to register as soon as possible so they can avail of the PWD subsidy program),” Villafuerte added. CIO
