ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jul 20 (PIA) – Deprivation and discrimination are still one of the challenges faced by the Persons with Disability (PWD) in the society now, as Teddy Kahil, President of PWD Federation in Zamboanga Peninsula shared in an interview.
The PWD community is also greatly affected by this pandemic and many were displaced. They cannot also cope with the sudden shift of livelihood into online platform since there are some who have visual and hearing impairment.
Kahil emphasized that the PWD community is diverse and that the differences in disabilities must also be considered when providing programs and services to them.
“There are so many hindrances for us to adapt with sudden changes in the environment,” he said.
This year’s celebration of 44th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week focuses on encouraging the public to provide opportunities to PWD community in the region by giving them job and livelihood trainings. The celebration aims to raise awareness on the plight of PWDs and sensitivity of the public on their rights as they can also be part of nation building.
“To all PWDs, we need to be assertive, fight for our rights and show our ability to contribute to nation building,” Kahil said.
Further, the federation expresses appreciation to establishments and companies who provide employment to their community amidst the limitations and restrictions they can only engage.
“We are appealing to the government and private institutions, to give fair treatment and provide inclusivity in all their programs and services,” Kahil added.
As part of the 44th NDPR Week Celebration, the City Government of Zamboanga through the Public Employment Service Office under the CSWDO will mount the first Job Fair for PWDs with almost 200 job vacancies available on Thursday (July 21) at the 4th Floor Function Room, Cinema Area of the KCC Mall de Zamboanga in Gov. Camins Avenue.
This is empowering persons with disabilities through responsive policies, programs and services. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
