The government is working towards changing the “mistaken notions” people have against people with disabilities (PWDs), President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday.
In his speech keynoting the 2nd Asia-Pacific Community-based Rehabilitation Congress held on Tuesday at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City, President Aquino said that his government's pledge to “guarantee” equitability and growth was for all.
“When we promised inclusive growth, we promised it to all Filipinos, including those who by virtue of certain limitations, tend to be thought of as being unable to contribute to society. This is not necessarily a mindset that comes from cruelty, but one that perhaps only stems from ignorance and mistaken notions,” the President said.
“And this is something that we want to change, because we know that to perpetuate this prejudice means not only depriving persons with disabilities of their rights, but, more importantly, depriving them of their dreams,” he added.
He said local and national government have already instituted measures to this end through the implementation of community-based rehabilitation strategies.
“Their measures can be as simple as ensuring that someone in a wheelchair is able to move around freely, whether it be to attend school or to file paperwork at the municipal office, or as far-reaching as providing them with opportunities for education and livelihood,” the President said.
On the national level, the President said, the government has put up centers that can provide rehabilitation and care to persons with disabilities, and programs that can help them stand on their own two feet, by providing them with access to training and employment opportunities.
“All of the steps we have taken so far, from instituting fair and honest business practices and good governance in the Philippines, to ensuring the rights of persons with disabilities, are in line with our administration’s dream for the Philippines,” the President said.
“It is not only growth we are after, but inclusive growth; not only progress, but equitable progress. I am sure that this is something you can understand and empathize with, as you too work for the same things in your respective countries and organizations,” he said.
(www.president.gov.ph)
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