TRABAHO Partylist advocates for greater PWD inclusivity in Philippine workforce
IN light of the ongoing challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in securing meaningful employment, TRABAHO Partylist has renewed its call for stronger legislative measures to promote inclusivity in the workforce for individuals with disabilities in the Philippines.
With a significant portion of the PWD population still struggling to find stable employment, the party continues to push for policies that address both systemic barriers and social stigmas that hinder the full participation of PWDs in the economy.
TRABAHO Partylist spokesperson Atty. Mitchell-David L. Espiritu noted that despite laws such as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons aimed at providing opportunities and benefits for PWDs, many continue to face significant obstacles. According to recent studies, a large number of Filipino PWDs remain unemployed or underemployed, with many living in poverty due to the lack of accessible employment opportunities, he added.
Atty. Espiritu stressed that it is not enough to simply create legal frameworks, noting that practical solutions and a shift in societal attitudes are essential. This includes providing better infrastructure, accessible transport, and workplace modifications to ensure that PWDs can perform their roles effectively.
The party also highlighted the importance of vocational training and capacity-building programs tailored to the needs of PWDs. These programs are vital in equipping individuals with the skills necessary to secure and retain jobs, fostering greater independence and reducing dependency on government aid, added Atty. Espiritu.
Additionally, TRABAHO Partylist calls for the regulation of PWD identification systems, which have been prone to abuse. Instances of fake PWD IDs being used for unauthorized benefits have eroded public trust in disability-related programs, noted Atty. Espiritu.
Strengthening the integrity of disability identification and ensuring that those truly in need benefit from state programs will contribute to a more equitable system for PWDs, he added.
While access to employment is a critical issue, the integration of PWDs into the workforce also requires a commitment to long-term structural reforms that eliminate discrimination, enhance accessibility, and foster a truly inclusive society.
Ensuring that PWDs have equal opportunities to work and contribute to the economy is a crucial step toward realizing a more inclusive and equitable Philippine society, concluded Atty. Espiritu.
