(Photo courtesy of DOH4A-MRCU)
SAN MATEO, Rizal – The Department of Health regional office has distributed some 180 assistive devices comprised of wheelchairs, crutches, canes and walkers to persons with disability (PWDs) in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon (Calabarzon).
The distribution ceremony culminated the two-day “PWD Health Summit for CALABARZON” which gathered some 130 PWDs, whose federation officials and representatives received on their behalf the 40 wheelchairs, 40 crutches, 40 canes and 40 folding walkers on Wednesday at the Ciudad Christhia Resort here.
“In CALABARZON, we have already prioritized the health needs of PWDs by providing them medical services and assistive devices that will enable them to be physically active and help them compensate even with a limited activity,” said Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo, DOH Calabarzon Regional Director.
Janairo said the PWDs is one sector of the society that should not be left behind, but instead be given equal opportunity in health now that the Universal Health Care Law is ratified.
The DOH regional office hosted the two-day summit themed “Lokal na Pamahalaan: Kabalikat sa Pagtupad ng Karapatan ng mga Taong May Kapansanan,” (Local Government: Partner in Upholding the Rights of PWDs), was part of the nationwide observance of the “National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week,” held annually every 3rd week of July through Proclamation 361 in Aug. 19, 2000.
“PWDs need more than what we can give them, thus the need to understand their needs and capabilities prompting government agencies to provide them the opportunity for work and make them more productive, self-reliant and empower them to become active,” Janairo added.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 2010 data, Calabarzon Region has the highest number of PWDs with 193,000 followed by the National Capital Region with 167,000; Central Luzon – 139,000; Western Visayas – 138,000; and Central Visayas – 109,000; and Cordillera being the lowest with 26,000 PWDs.
During the two-day PWD summit, the DOH Calabarzon team presented various topics on PWD empowerment; updates on health service delivery concerning PWDs, their Philhealth benefits, and the institutionalization of a national integrated cancer control program.
Dentists from the regional health office also provided free dental cleaning and check-up for PWDs in attendance. (PNA)
