Concern for PWDs
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a reminder to employers that reflects the government’s concern over the the welfare of persons with disability (PWDs).
A welcome development, the “timely reminder” is aimed at upholding the protection of the rights of the country’s handicapped or PWDs to make the workplace more inclusive.
Headed by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, the DOLE issued the reminder June 12, ahead of this year’s celebration of “National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.”
Theme of the weeklong celebration, which starts on July 17, is “Persons With Disability Accessibility and Rights: Towards a Sustainable Future Where No One is Left Behind.”
In a move to advance the interests of PWDs, the DOLE urged employers to promote laws, policies and programs that will integrate the handicapped into mainstream society.
At the same time, it called on the employers to prohibit discrimination against a qualified person by reason of disability in regard to job application, hiring and promotion.
Likewise, we share the view of the labor department that companies ought to facilitate PWDs’ access to express lanes in all commercial and government establishments.
And certainly, providing for the PWDs’ self-reliance, care and rehabilitation while fostering their capacity for a more meaningful life is a move in the right direction.
Despite their disability, the handicapped or PWDs are capable of participating in government efforts to hasten the country’s socio-economic development.
Thus, we, like the rest of the Filipino people, cannot overemphasize the importance of furthering the interests of PWDs and members of other special social sectors.
