PWD groups mixed on P12K cash aid

Cebu City PWD groups huddle during the a Cebu City Council hearing on the proposed increase of their cash aid to P12,000. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

Cebu City-based Persons with Disabilities (PWD) groups gave mixed reactions to a proposed ordinance that would raise their financial assistance from P5,000 to P12,000.

In yesterday’s public hearing, the Organization of Rehabilitative Advocate for Inclusion (ORAI) said while they support the increase, there should be proper categorization on how much a  PWD can get depending on his or her  condition.

Adela Kono of ORAI told the council that their group  closely coordinates with Councilor Alvin Dizon in  drafting an ordinance to categorize PWDs in the city.

“I  only hope that my fellow PWDs will not get jealous if other PWDs who badly need it will get bigger assistance from the government. In the proposal we’re developing, P12,000 is  the highest amount we pegged,” she said.

There are 9,000 registered PWDs in Cebu City. Kono, also a PWD, said they face many challenges in earning a livelihood due to their condition.

She said they oppose a proposal that would allow PWDs who can’t vote to still receive the cash aid  so long as their caregivers are registered voters of the city since 2010.

She said  some PWDs get caregivers who are not from Cebu City.

Councilor Eugenio Gabuya, who authored the ordinance, said implementing rules include the categorization of PWDs.

But Lilian Sanopao, secretary of the PWD Federation of Cebu City and the Barangay Hipodromo PWD Association, said the city doesn’t categorize qualified seniors whether they are rich or poor in the distribution of their cash aid of P12,000 each.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said the planned categorization should be considered.

Gabuya said he will consider all opinions raised during the public hearing when he amends the proposed ordinance.