DOLE upholds rights of PWDs through inclusive governance
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is committed to promoting inclusive workplaces, particularly for individuals with disabilities, as emphasized by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma during the 45th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, celebrated from July 17 to 23.
DOLE has implemented several initiatives to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs). These initiatives include emergency employment and livelihood support, employment facilitation services, and special economic assistance for PWDs who have lost their jobs due to work-related illnesses or injuries.
Secretary Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 15, Series of 2023, on July 11, reminding employers of their responsibility to protect the rights of PWDs by implementing laws, policies, and programs that promote equal employment opportunities, prohibit discrimination, create barrier-free environments, and facilitate their access to express lanes in both commercial and government establishments.
The labor advisory also encourages private corporations with over 100 employees to allocate at least one percent of all positions for PWDs.
Furthermore, the labor department reported that nearly 2,000 PWDs have received assistance through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, which includes transitional emergency employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program and livelihood and entrepreneurship support through the Kabuhayan Program.
Under the Kabuhayan Program, 924 PWDs were granted livelihood assistance amounting to P14.8 million, while 272 PWDs employed under the TUPAD program received salaries totaling P1.1 million from 2022 until the first quarter of 2023.
Regarding employment facilitation, 1,053 PWDs were profiled through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Employment Information System and PhilJobNet, the Department’s automated job and applicant matching system. This profiling helps the Department solicit job vacancies from accredited employers and provide employment facilitation services to PWDs.
The Department also noted that, from 2022 until the first quarter of 2023, a total of 142 establishments employed 489 PWDs.
Through the Employees’ Compensation Commission, DOLE implements the Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KAGABAY Program), a special economic assistance program for Persons with Work-Related Disabilities (PWRDs) who have lost their jobs due to work-related illnesses or injuries.
Under this program, 140 PWRDs received starter and complementary livelihood kits, 94 were provided with transportation and meal allowances, and 160 received skills and livelihood training from the second semester of 2022 until the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, 96 PWRDs received physical and occupational therapy sessions, and 48 were provided with prostheses during the same period.
In recognition of these efforts, the Commission on Audit (COA) commended DOLE for its dedication to formulating plans, programs, and projects that address the concerns of PWDs in 2022. These programs not only provided employment and ensured the welfare of seniors and PWDs but also embraced them as integral social partners in the government’s development initiatives.
The National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week is observed under the theme, “Aksesibilidad at Karapatan ng mga Taong may Kapansanan: Daan tungo sa Sustenableng Kinabukasan na Walang Maiiwan” (Accessibility and Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Path to an Inclusive Future for All).
