documentation of the national consultation in preparation for the high level meeting on disability...

The Way Forward: National Consultation on the Inclusion of Disability in the Philippine Development Agenda in 2015 and Beyond"

Bayview Park Hotel, Ermita, Manila - May 10-11, 2013 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PARTICULARS

PAGES

I. Message of the NCDA Acting Executive Director

2- 12

II. Executive Summary

13-15

III. Proceedings

16-39

IV. Annexes 40

A. Review of the Global Preparatory Process Towards Disability-Inclusive Post 2015 Sustainable Development Agenda

41

B. Review of the Incheon Strategy to "Make the Right Real" for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

42-46

C. Results of Panel Discussions

C.1 Panel 1 C.2 Panel 2 C.3 Panel 3 C.4 Responses to the Guiding Questions for Consultations and Inputs for Preparatory Work for the High Level Meeting on Disability and Development

47-49 50-56

D. Directory of Participants and Secretariat

57-61

E. NCDA Team on the Move…

62

The Way Forward: National Consultation on the Inclusion of Disability in the Philippine Development Agenda in 2015 and Beyond" -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




MESSAGE

Being the country’s focal point for all disability concerns and tasked to monitor compliance of all disability laws, the NCDA convened a National Consultation held on May 10-11, 2013 at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila. Relevant stakeholders and civil society organizations provided us a clear picture of the outcome document inclusive of all the elements needed in the implementation of disability inclusive development in the country such as disability issues that hinders disability inclusive development and those that should be highlighted together with the country statement. More importantly, the consultation focused on good practices and challenges in realizing the disability inclusive development, promotion of the goals of the UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for a truly inclusive society for persons with disabilities and the roles of the civil society organizations and the private sector in promoting the disability-inclusive development. This Documentation Report provides the results of the National Consultation that will show that entry points are further identified and collaborative partnerships may be developed to promote the inclusion of disability in the emerging post – 2015 development framework. Attached is the Philippine Statement for the High Level Meeting on Disability and Development. This document reflects the voices of Filipinos with Disabilities represented by their leaders and an accomplishment for the sector in expressing their wishes to actively participate in building an inclusive society for all.

CARMEN R. ZUBIAGA

Acting Executive Director National Council on Disability Affairs

The Philippines as a member state and signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) is duty-bound to consult the sector with disability not only to inform them on the importance of the High Level Meeting on Disability and Development but to contribute and be part of the development of the outcome document. It is crucial that persons with disabilities be recognized as both agents of change and beneficiaries in all aspects of development.



PHILIPPINE STATEMENT TO THE HIGH LEVEL MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON DISABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

We, the representatives of accredited and recognized persons with disabilities organizations/DPOs, civil society organizations, academe, international development organizations, national government agencies and local government units, as participants to the National Consultation: The Way Forward: Disability Inclusive Development Agenda Towards 2015 and Beyond, held at the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, May 10-11, 2013, do hereby state as follows:

We welcome with great enthusiasm the High Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Disability and Development to be held on September 23, 2013 at the UN Plaza New York and hereby respectfully submit our declaration for inclusion in the formulation of the outcome document.

Mindful that disability has been invisible in the Millennium Development Goals and other agreed development instruments which results to continuing exclusion of persons with disabilities in policies, programs and resource allocation of most countries;

Highlighting the multiple or aggravated discrimination of persons with disabilities on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity, social and economic status, religion, culture, geographic conditions and taking note of the absence of persons with disabilities as representatives, experts and resource persons in most international bodies, such as the ICHR, ASEAN, APEC, World Trade Organization and other affiliate agencies of the United Nations; and

With great expectations that the outcome document will contribute to the realization of disability inclusive development, we hereby recommend the following to be included in the formulation of the outcome document for the High Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Disability and Development;

1. Re-affirm the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities as the primary human rights instrument and development tool in addressing the concerns of persons with disabilities;

2. Adoption of the Incheon Strategy as one of the guiding framework in the implementation of the UNCRPD globally;

3. Consider other relevant international treaties to address inter-sectionality of disability such as the Convention to End Discrimination and Violence Against Women (CEDAW), Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Convention to End Racial Discrimination (CERD), Convention on Economic, Social and Civil Rights (CESCR), and relevant declarations such as Madrid Declaration on Aging and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People;

4. Recognizing the daily and widespread marginalization experienced by persons with disabilities worldwide as the foremost legitimate evidence and using the World Disability Report as one of the evidence-based document, as references in identifying barriers towards disability inclusive development.

For an action oriented outcome document, the following proven good practices should be given with utmost attention:

1. Institutionalize capacity building of persons with disabilities organizations/ disabled peole’s organizations (DPOs) for their full and effective participation in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies, programs and projects in all levels of governance;

2. Closely consult and actively involve all stakeholders through their respective representative organizations;



3. Include disability-inclusion as one of the major criteria in all Overseas Development Assistance and loans, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, social services, human resources and social protection projects;

4. Promote equal opportunities for persons with disabilities by addressing the following:

a. Accessibility

i. Promotion of Non-Handicapping Environment as a strategy for all communities to address physical and social barriers for persons with disabilities;

ii. Promotion of research and development using universal design in making good quality appropriate assistive technology, available and affordable;

iii. Ensuring the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making process by establishing a mechanism or structure in all appropriate government levels of decision making by member party states

b. Communication and Information

i. Provide information and communication in all accessible formats, modes and means including sign language support services in all government and private agencies’ programs and services;

ii. Continuous awareness raising campaign on the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities;

c. Technology, Universal Design including Personal Assistant

i. Promote accessible, affordable, and appropriate assistive technologies and devices including support for personal assistants.

d. Employment

i. Encourage countries to develop and promote inclusive fair trade policies to ensure participation of persons with disabilities in the labor market;

ii. Review of existing policies related to employment;

iii. Establish pre-employment and on the job support services for persons with disabilities and parents/guardians of children with disabilities;

iv. Establishment of an incentive award system for employers of persons with disabilities.

e. Education

i. Capacitate all teachers and other professionals including those with disabilities on inclusive education;

ii. Encourage national and international cooperation through exchange of expertise in inclusive education;

iii. Implement zero rejection policy to accelerate the establishment of inclusive education

f. Reliability and Comparability of Disability Data

i. Use of internationally agreed tools in defining and identifying disability;

ii. Ensure disaggregation of data such as employed PWDs, etc.

g. Political and Civil Rights

Strengthen engagement of inter-agency efforts with full participation of persons with disabilities towards inclusive electoral system and elimination of discrimination of persons with disabilities in the exercise of his/her right of suffrage and to hold public office



Signed on this 11

th day of May 2013 at Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Philippines.



PREPARED BY: NCDA TEAM OF DOCUMENTORS: FLORITA BISCO ANA FLERIDA LABANON ARACELI DE LEON EVELYN DOLENCIO MYRLA SEDENIO RUTH TACUJAN DELFINA BAQUIR DANDY VICTA For Feedback: Email: [email protected] Call : 951-6401



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Philippines as a member state and signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), is duty bound to consult the Sector of Persons with Disabilities in line with Section 4.3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

On May 10-11, 2013, NCDA conducted a forum dubbed as "The Way Forward - National Consultation on the Inclusion of Disability in the Philippine Development Agenda in 2015 and Beyond" at the Bayview Hotel. It aims to develop an agreed country statement for the High Level Meeting on Disability and Development slated on September 23, 2013 in New York, U.S.A.

The 2-day event, emceed by Ms. Delfina J. Baquir, started with the singing of “Lead Me Lord” and singing of the Philippine National Anthem. In her Welcome Remarks, Acting Executive Director (AED) Carmen R. Zubiaga thanked the 88 participants who came from the different parts of the country, for attending the National Consultation. She enjoined everybody to give substantive contribution in the discussions to be undertaken during the forum. She also thanked the sponsors/cooperating agencies: World Health Organization (WHO) and Physicians for Peace for making the Consultation feasible. She also acknowledged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for enabling the NCDA to achieve its mandate and for providing fund support to some of the Council’s programs/projects and for the representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Australian Agency for International Development for gracing the event.

As the representative of DSWD Secretary and NCDA Chairperson, Corazon Juliano Soliman, Director Dulfie T. Shalim of the DSWD Protective Services Bureau expressed the DSWD's support to achieve the government's goal of creating a disability-inclusive development such as its facilitation of the congressional insertion to fund the programs/projects of PWD organizations and the procurement of at least 10% of government supplies and services from PWD cooperatives which the concerned national government will monitor implementation. She also reported on the different consultations that DSWD conducted. She enjoined the participants to concretize their actions, have clear plans and work together to make a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities.

Ms. Pauline Kleinitz, WHO Technical Officer on Disability, Western Pacific Regional Office also gave a brief message. In her message, she enjoined the participants to not just identify the real issues that confront the Sector, but to think of realistic, specific and tangible solutions to address those challenges using evidenced-based experiences. She enjoined everybody to refer to the WHO's "World Report on Disability" for the listing of disabling barriers that contribute to the PWDs' marginalization and some recommendations to overcome the barriers and inequalities to improve the PWDs' lives in line with the UNCRPD.

After the Opening Ceremonies, Deputy Executive Director Mateo A. Lee, Jr gave a brief review on the “Global Preparatory Process Towards Disability-Inclusive Post 2015 Sustainable Development Agenda.” He reported that there are already 130 states that ratified and 155 states as signatories to the UNCRPD and 76 states that ratified and 91 state signatories to its Optional Protocol. He also informed the body on the UNESCAP Regional Consultation in Asia-Pacific, which will be held on May 15, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand, has adopted the theme "The Way Forward - Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on a Disability Inclusive Development Agenda Towards 2015 and Beyond".



Dep. Exec. Dir. Lee also reported that the Philippines and Spain were appointed as co-facilitator of the outcome document for the HLMDD by the President of the UN General Assembly. Furthermore, regional consultations have taken place in Brussels (25 April) and will take place in Bahia, Brazil (17 to 18 May) and Bangkok (15 to 16 May). While disability concern is one of the sectors that is being left in development agenda, he hoped that disability component program will be adopted by the world assembly and be included in the next Millennium Development Goals. He said that in the light of global development, the outcome document that will be prepared as a result of the national consultation should also be aligned to the UNCRPD, Incheon Strategic Framework in the Asia-Pacific Region and the Bali Declaration for Enhancing the Participation of PWDs in the Asian Decade of PWDs.

This was followed by the presentation of Acting Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga on the review of the Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. She explained that the Incheon Strategy serves as a framework that would guide the implementation of the UNCRPD in the Asian and the Pacific Region. This was adopted by 62 countries during the High-Level Inter-Governmental Meeting on the Final Review of the Asian and the Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2003-2012) with DPOs and civil society organizations. It has 10 goals with 27 targets and 62 indicators for monitoring and evaluation for the decade of 2013-2022.

Actg. Exec. Dir. Zubiaga then presented the 10 goals of the Incheon Strategy and the concerned duty bearers. On “Strengthening Social Protection”, the legal capacity will be included as additional area of concern. She also reported that a Presidential Proclamation “Declaring 2013-2022 as Decade of Make the Rights Real for Persons with Disabilities” was prepared and submitted to the Office of the President. In ending, she enjoined the participants to endorse the Incheon Strategy as the framework to implement UNCRPD in the whole world to sustain developmental goal. She also reported on the inclusion of the Philippines among the15 countries as member of the Technical Working Group in the UNCRPD implementation.

After the Plenary Sessions, three (3) Panel discussions were conducted on the following topics where the participants identified some issues and barriers and recommended actions:

Panel 1: “Good Practices and Challenges in Disability-Inclusive Development and the CRPD Implementation”

Resource Persons: Mr. Emer Rojas, National Anti-Poverty Commission Dr. Liza Martinez – Phil. Deaf Resource Center, Inc.,

Panel 2: “What steps to be taken in promoting accessibility, disability statistics and capacity building of stakeholders?”

Resource Persons: Ms. Pauline Kleinitz – World Health Organization Acting Executive Director Carmen R. Zubiaga - NCDA Mr. Joselito Manabat – Department of Labor and Employment Ms. Rosalie Dagulo- Department of Social Welfare and Development

Panel 3: “Roles of CSOs and the Private Sector in Promoting Disability-Inclusive Development?”

Resource Persons: Dr. Josephine Bundoc – Physicians for Peace Mr. Lauro D. Purcil, Jr. – CALL Foundation Capt. Oscar Taleon- AKAP-Pinoy

On the second day of the event, the participants developed and adopted the country statement to be presented to the Bangkok Regional Consultation and to the HLM Secretariat in New York.



The event dubbed as "The Way Forward - The National Consultation on the Inclusion of Disability in the Philippine Development Agenda in 2015 and Beyond" was

held last May 10-11, 2013 at the Luneta Room, Bayview Park Hotel, 1118 Roxas Boulevard, corner UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila. The event, which was jointly sponsored by the World Health Organization, Physicians for Peace and NCDA, was attended by 88 participants composed of leaders with disabilities, academe and representatives from different government agencies from the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. As described by PWD leaders, the event gave grassroot leaders an opportunity to contribute in the drafting of country statement to be presented to the High-Level Meeting on Disability and Development (HLMDD) slated on September 23, 2013 in New York. It likewise paved the way to break the silence of potential rural leaders to demonstrate their issues and recommendations on matters concerning indigenous persons with disabilities as well as the ethnicity within the sector.

DAY 1, MAY 10, 2013

OPENING PROGRAM

The 2-day Consultation, emceed by Ms. Delfina J. Baquir, Planning Officer III, NCDA Programs Management Division, started with the singing of “Lead Me Lord” and the Philippine National Anthem. This was followed by the introduction of participants who came from the different parts of the country.

NCDA Acting Executive Director Carmen R. Zubiaga, in her Welcome Remarks, thanked the 88 participants for attending the National Consultation, a rare opportunity for them to express their expectations from the government agencies and civil society organizations to achieve disability inclusive development and to live as person with dignity. It was one of the Council’s efforts to consult the Sector of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as provided for in the General Obligations Section 4.3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). She stressed the importance of the Consultation in coming up with the Philippine Statement to be presented during the High Level Meeting on Disability and Development (HLMDD) which will be held on September 23, 2013 in New York. She enjoined everybody to give substantive contributions in the discussions to be undertaken during the forum.

Ms. Delfina J. Baquir

as the Master of

Ceremonies

Actg. Exec. Dir. Carmen Zubiaga (left) enjoins the participants (center) to take active role in crafting the Philippine

statement to be presented during the High-Level Meeting on Disability and Development to be held in September 2013.

The panellist from DOLE, DOJ, Dir. Dulfie Shalim and Capt. & Mrs. Oscar Taleon (right) during the national

consultation.



AED Zubiaga acknowledged the assistance of the World Health Organization (WHO) for sponsoring the venue of the activity and the board and lodging of the participants and the Physicians for Peace for sponsoring some of the airfare of the participants from the Mindanao area. She was also grateful for the assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in enabling the NCDA to achieve its mandate and for providing fund support to some of the Council’s programs/projects. She likewise thanked the representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid) for gracing the event.

As the representative of DSWD Secretary and NCDA Chairperson, Corazon Juliano Soliman, Director Dulfie T. Shalim of the DSWD Protective Services Bureau (PSB), said that the activity was a good opportunity to come up with an outcome document done with inputs from the PWD Sector that will show concise actions/initiatives responsive to the PWD concerns. She enjoined the participants to concretize their actions, have clear plans and directions, clear intervention and work together to make a difference in the lives of PWDs.

Director Shalim also reported on the facilitation done by DSWD relative to the congressional insertion to support the programs/projects of some DPOs and the Resource Forum of Persons with Disabilities cum Assessment of Welfare Laws in LGUs which the PSB conducted in Makati and Davao Cities, respectively. These aim to come up with work plan to assist PWDs to avail of the benefits as provided for in EO No. 417 "Directing the Implementation of Economic Independence Program for PWDs" and other welfare laws for PWDs, among their objectives. She added that in view of the devolution, the provision of programs and services for the immediate needs of PWDs will already be taken cared of by the LGUs. While the NCDA will monitor the implementation at the local level, DSWD will augment insufficiency of funds whenever necessary.

Director Shalim pointed out that the implementation of national laws should be advocated and that international commitments be translated into national/local laws with corresponding budget allocation for implementation. She also expressed hope that private companies will provide employment opportunities for qualified PWDs in response to the law requiring government agencies to reserve 5% of their workforce for PWDs.

Ms. Pauline Kleinitz, WHO Technical Officer on Disability, Western

Pacific Regional Office, congratulated NCDA for organizing a national consultation in just a short period of time. She reported that WHO is supporting a lot of regional consultations like in Latin America, Europe and the Philippines.

Ms. Kleinitz enjoined the participants to not just identify the real issues that confront the Sector inspite of existing national policies on disability, but to think of realistic, specific and tangible solutions to address those challenges using evidenced-based experiences. She enjoined everybody to refer to the WHO's "World Report on Disability" for the listing of disabling barriers that contribute to the PWDs' marginalization and some recommendations to overcome the barriers and inequalities to improve the PWDs' lives in line with the UNCRPD.

Director Dulfie T. Shalim giving her

message on behalf of the DSWD

Secretary and NCDA Chairperson.

Ms. Pauline Kleinitz enjoins

the participants to come up with

realistic and tangible solutions to

address the challenges

confronting the PWD Sector.



Ms. Kleinitz pointed out that having an inclusive approach and other priority areas in terms of specific initiatives focused on individual and support services, personal services and respite care can be considered in the Outcome Document. Some services whether for education, health, rehabilitation, support services, assistive devices, technology, individual support are required to enable any individual to access to environment. REVIEW OF THE GLOBAL PREPARATORY PROCESS TOWARDS DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE POST 2015 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Deputy Executive Director (DED) Mateo A. Lee, Jr. reported that there are already 130 states that ratified and 155 states as signatories to the UNCRPD. There are also 76 states that ratified and 91 state signatories to its Optional Protocol. He reported that Brazil made consultations in Latin America sub-regions and other sub-regions like the UNESCAP Regional Consultation in Asia-Pacific which will be attended by AED Zubiaga on May 15, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. It has the theme "The Way Forward - Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on a Disability Inclusive Development Agenda Towards 2015 and Beyond". On the 6th session of the Conference of State Parties (COSP6) that will be held on July 17-19, 2013, disability-inclusive development in national, regional and international processes is one of the sub-themes. DED Lee informed the participants that the Philippines and Spain were appointed as co-facilitators of the outcome document for the HLMDD by the President of the UN General Assembly. Prior to the event, a negotiated outcome document will be prepared by member states, with inputs from PWD Organizations, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders. The HLMDD preparatory process includes a range of consultations. With the results of the 2-day consultation, the Philippines will come up with the draft outcome document to be submitted to UN-Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and Philippine Delegation to the September HLMDD. Also, most recently, DESA in partnership with UNICEF, conducted online global consultations on March 8 – April 5, 2013 in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Purtuguese, Russian and Spanish. Furthermore, regional consultations have taken place in Brussels (25 April) and will take place in Bahia, Brazil (17 to 18 May) and Bangkok (15 to 16 May).

DED Lee said that while disability is one of the concerns that is being left out in development agenda such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which will end in 2015, he hoped that disability component program will be adopted by the world assembly and be included in the next MDG. Please refer to page 41 for the detailed presentation. He enjoined the participants to have concrete and doable recommendations towards the

development of disability agenda. He said that in the light of global development, the outcome document that will be prepared as a result of the national consultation should also be aligned to the UNCRPD, Incheon Strategic Framework in the Asia-Pacific Region and the Bali Declaration for Enhancing the Participation of PWDs in the Asian Decade of PWDs.

Dep. Exec. Dir. Mateo Lee, Jr. presenting

the "Global Preparatory Process towards

Disability Inclusive Post 2015 Sustainable

Development Agenda"



REVIEW OF THE INCHEON STRATEGY TO “MAKE THE RIGHT REAL” FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP)

AED Zubiaga informed everybody that the Incheon Strategy serves as the framework that would guide the implementation of the UNCRP in the Asian and the Pacific Region. Adopted by 62 countries during the High-Level Inter-Governmental Meeting on the Final Review of the Asian and the Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2003-2012) with DPOs and civil society organizations, it has 10 goals with 27 targets and 62 indicators for monitoring and evaluation for the decade of 2013-2022.

AED Zubiaga then presented the 10 goals of the Incheon Strategy and the concerned duty bearers. Please refer to pages 42-46 for her detailed presentation. On “Strengthening Social Protection”, she agreed to the participants that the legal capacity will be included as additional area of concern. She also reported that a Presidential Proclamation “Declaring 2013-2022 as Decade of Make the Rights Real for Persons with Disabilities” was prepared and submitted to the Office of the President. The Council’s Sub-Committee on Legislative and Policy Development was also created. She enjoined the participants to endorse the Incheon Strategy as the framework to implement UNCRPD in the whole world to achieve sustainable development goal. She also reported on the inclusion of the Philippines among the 15 member countries of the Technical Working Group in the UNCRPD implementation. Relative to this, Mr. Ranilo Sorongon reported that Autism Society Philippines is a member of the Asian Network and was elected as one of the observers in the UNESCAP.

AED Zubiaga likewise acknowledged Mr. Ronnel del Rio as the UNCRPD Promoter, who in turn, informed everybody that he will supplement the moves of NCDA and CSO on economic empowerment. He said that there will be a consultation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in May this year to identify possible livelihood opportunities for people with visual impairment. He also hoped that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can provide capital to those who will be given training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the module of which will still be prepared.

The following concerns were clarified during the discussion:

1) Accountable leadership is important to successfully implement UNCRPD;

2) Consultation with the transportation sector is scheduled tentatively in June 2013 to advocate the need to enhance access to accessible transportation.

3) New Local Chief Executives/LGUs should be oriented on UNCRPD/PDAO and other disability-related laws to solicit their support on their implementation

4) Social Enterprise was explained as a business enterprise with a social purpose. Economic viability is important to sustain serving the organization’s members. It should be sustainable, has social impact and has environmental concern.

AED Carmen Zubiaga

discusses the "Incheon

Strategy to Make the Right

Real".

Mr. Ronnel del Rio reports

on his efforts as UNCRPD

Promoter.



5) The Philippines’ non-ratification of the UNCRPD Optional Protocol will not affect the programs/services implementation. The only difference is that state parties with approved Optional Protocol can go directly to UN system even without exhausting national remedy.

6) Any discrepancy between the government and PWD Sector parallel reports will be subjected to investigation/validation by a Monitoring Committee. The Committee will submit an Observation Report which will be referred to for the next two years of implementation.

7) The Incheon Strategy, goals and targets will be translated into doable action plan/disability related programs/projects by the concerned agencies. She expressed hope that the reports of the duty bearers will be completed before the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week in July 2013; otherwise, NCDA will provide them the list of programs/projects/activities that they should undertake in line with the UNCRPD using the Incheon Strategy.

The participants actively participate in the discussion being facilitated by

Actg. Exec. Dir. Carmen Zubiaga (left)



PANEL DISCUSSIONS Panel 1: “Good Practices and Challenges in Disability-Inclusive Development and the CRPD Implementation”

o Mr. Emerito L. Rojas, PWD Sectoral Representative, National Anti-Poverty Commission

Mr. Rojas informed the participants that NAPC is a policy and monitoring body composed of 14 basic sectors, one of which is on PWDs. It implement policies up to the grassroot level. In line with its mandate, the PWD Sectoral Council took an active role in the passage of the Sin Tax Law and Reproductive Health Bill. He said that the PWD Council developed the following 3 agenda in line with its goal to empower PWDs:

1) Review of existing laws related to disability such as the Accessibility Law which until now is not fully implemented. NAPC believes that something should be done to implement disability-related laws.

2) Establishment of Persons with Disability Affairs Offices wherein as of date, only 53 out of the total 84 established PDAOs are supported with Ordinances/Executive Orders. The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines is helping push for the creation of PDAO.

3) Economic Empowerment through the implementation of EO No. 417 which provides the mechanism for enhancement of the social and vocational skills capabilities, as well as source of capital for livelihood programs for PWDs/DPOs. The government should provide the trading of PWDs' goods and services to support the livelihood and empower PWD organizations/cooperatives.

Mr. Rojas stressed that once PDAOs were established and PDAO Officers appointed,

they will no longer rely from the national government on all their needs since LGUs can allocate funds for PDAO.

o Dr. Liza Martinez - Philippine Deaf Center (PDC), Philippine Coalition on UNCRPD

Dr. Martinez presented the Philippine Coalition on UNCRPD's project dubbed as "Public Finance Disability Rights Budget Analysis".

Phase 1 of the project was undertaken for 6 months in 2012, with the Social Watch Philippines (SWP) as partner, with the support of Open Society Foundation (OSF) through the facilitation of International Disability Alliance (IDA). They studied how CSOs can be empowered in determining how the government spends its budget specifically the 1% GAA provision for disability-related concerns since CRPD came into force in 2008 until 2010. They made some budget tagging and tracking to find out the process of appropriation-allocation-utilization of government funds. Ten (10) government agencies such as the Departments of Education, Social Welfare and Development, Trade and Industry, Transportation and Communications, Public Works and Highways, DOLE, TESDA and NCDA were chosen. Using public documents on-line, they reviewed of what is allowed in GAA, role of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in budget allocation and the actual utilization or obligation of funds. She then relayed the problems they encountered such as difficulty in data gathering and the decentralization of projects making it difficult to trace the fund utilization. There were also peculiar things like the subsidies for SPED project used for school renovation and the non-utilization of budget for two (2) years until the budget was reverted to DBM.

Mr. Emerito Rojas presents the

priority agenda of the NAPC

PWD Sectoral Council.



Dr. Martinez also reported that the granting incentives as provided for in RA No. 7277 is almost zero and that something should be done to facilitate the implementation of GAA provision reserving 10% of school furniture to PWD Cooperatives. The Coalition likewise did local case studies to compare good practices in Aurora Provincial Government, City Government of Zamboaga City, Municipal Government of Mariveles, Bulacan and Samar with emerging issues. Although the said LGUs are still operating on medical model, she commended the Aurora Provincial Government for tapping international funding to set up employment center, not just for PWDs but also for vulnerable sectors.

For Phase II this year, the Pacific Disability Forum titled “How do you Capacitate DPOs to be Involved in Budget Process” will be undertaken, with funding from AusAid, and in collaboration with CBM and OSF. The project involves three (3) national initiatives and other components which are of global level. She also discussed the eight (8) sub-outcomes of the expected national result which all aim to study what they need to be able to offer the service/program in terms of costing. The sub-outcomes include social protection, poverty reduction scheme, institutionalization/creation of disability-related pause pension, educational outcome/strategy, access to justice, economic empowerment, government regulation services and continuous working with SWP for congressional insertion to fund disability-related programs in the national budget. Local level research on how they can help themselves as DPOs will also be piloted, with chosen DPOs such as Life Haven in Valenzuela City, Las Pinas Federation of PWDs, and Autism Society Laguna Chapters.

The following concerns surfaced from the discussion:

Issues/Concerns

Clarification/Recommendations

On Legislative Lobbying

NAPC/PWD Leaders should push for the passage of a strong PDAO Ordinance at the grassroot level. NCDA has no budget for legislative lobbying at the local level.

PWD Leaders should be empowered to advocate the passage of Ordinance supporting the creation of PDAO.

There should be an allotted budget for legislative lobbying which could be used for lobbying the creation of PDAO.

On Bank Credit Loan Regulation

PWDs should seek special consideration in payment of bank credit loan interest

PWDs should meet the requirements so that the government can help DPOs avail of bank loan.

The credit requirements/payment regulation cannot be modified to provide special privilege to PWDs.

On Marketing of PWD Goods and Services

EO No. 417 requires all government agencies, bureaus, offices, instrumentalities and other government owned and controlled corporations to procure at least 10% of their requirements of goods and services from PWD cooperatives and DPOs.

The different disability groups should be united/help each other to match the goods/services of PWD cooperatives/DPOs to the needs of government agencies.

Dr. Liza Martinez presents

the Philippine coalition on

UNCRPD's project. .



Issues/Concerns

Clarification/Recommendations

On Bottoms-Up Budgetary Process

"Bottoms-up Budgeting" will be used by government agencies as starting point in crafting the government budget. Local leaders have the chance to speak up for the specific needs of their municipality. Programs suited for their locality will be consolidated and transmitted to the national government agencies to be used for the budget process.

The needs of PWD Sector should be included in the budgeting process. PWD projects should be in line with the local development plan in the locality/city to be sustainable and alleviate poverty and to improve the economic status of the PWD sector.

In Quezon City, there are about 800 legitimate PWD organizations and around 2,000 illegitimate groups (without legal documents) which are eyeing for bottoms-up budgeting.

There is still invisibility of the disability sector in the MDG.

Disability should be visible in all development instruments.

Human rights instrument should be used as basis for all plans on disability and adoption of the Incheon Strategy, referring to World Report on Disability as an evidenced-based basis for understanding the barriers of disability in achieving disability inclusive development

There was a reported delay in forging contract with the Department of Education and National Federation of Cooperatives of PWDs relative to the manufacture of school furniture as provided for in GAA.

GAA provision reserving 10% of purchase of school desks/tables to PWD Cooperatives should be implemented/sustained to give continuous employment to PWDs.

The present distribution of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) is 38%-62% in favor of the national government; thus, the real intention of the Local Government Code for LGUs to be able to attend to priority areas at the local level is depleted.

The IRA distribution should be 60%-40% in favor of LGUs. Additional 1-2% budget allocation should be provided for the establishment of PDAOs.

Any excess budget of LGUs should have been tapped for the PDAO personnel.

The participants then proceeded to the crafting of the Statement in response to the following guide questions:

1) What are the major obstacles encountered and challenges faced in relation to implementing policies and programs for the realization of the MDGs and other internationally agreed development goals for PWDs?

2) Based on your experience, what approaches or actions have proven successful promoting the inclusion of disability in development?

The following were stressed during the discussion:

o The "World Report on Disability" is a result of the analysis of the disability situation globally and presents evidenced-based basis for progressive policies and programmes that can improve the lives of PWDs;

o The invisibility of the disability sector in the MDG should be addressed;

o Human rights instruments should be used as basis in all planning on disability and adoption of the Incheon Strategy to achieve Disability Inclusive Development



After some deliberations, AED Zubiaga facilitated the crafting of the following Statement for Panel 1:

To make disability visible in all development instruments

Recognizing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as the primary human rights instrument and as a development tool in addressing the concerns of persons with disabilities, adopting the “Incheon Strategy to Make the Rights Real” as a guiding framework in the implementation of the UNCRPD;

Referring to the “World Report on Disability” as an evidenced-based basis for identifying the barriers in achieving disability inclusive development.

Panel 2: “What steps to be taken in promoting accessibility, disability statistics and capacity building of stakeholders?”-

o Ms. Pauline Kleinitz, World Health Organization

Ms. Kleinitz discussed the method for collecting data of PWDs used internationally. She emphasized the need to develop a standardized and internationally comparable method to benchmark and monitor progress of disability policies and the implementation of the CRPD nationally and internationally.



Ms. Kleinitz also emphasized the need to define "disability". For WHO, it used the ICF definition in order for the data to be internationally comparable. As a first step, national population census data can be the collected in line with the recommendations from the United Nations Washington Group on Disability and the United Nations Statistical Commission. She also cited other ways to gather data such as inclusion of disability questions or a disability module in existing sample surveys. The data should be disaggregated by population features to uncover patterns, trends and information about subgroups of PWDs. She further explained that disability surveys can also gain comprehensive information on disability characteristics, such as prevalence, health conditions associated with disability, use of and need for services, quality of life, opportunities, and rehabilitation needs.

In ending, she specified that unless there is a good data, government/policy makers will not be able to do or act on anything. She added that good and reliable data is very important to seek funding support for the implementation of any programs or projects.

The following concerns/issues were raised during the discussion:

Issues/Concerns

Clarifications/Recommendations

What actions should be taken to improve the quality and availability of disability data and statistics that is vital to formulate disability-sensitive development policies and programs at the national level? How can we improve internationally comparable disability data and statistics?

1. What is the experience of WHO in the data gathering specially on the definition of disability?

WHO uses the CRPD definition of disability and uses the ICF as a good tool in identifying disability

2. The National Statistics Office should conduct a survey specifically on the questions on disability. The 2010 survey did not include a disaggregated data of PWDs which the government and non-government agencies can use to come-up with a specific program for the PWD sector.

National Statistics Office will conduct a series of consultation in July which is being coordinated by NCDA

3. What is the basis for using the 15% assumption of the population of PWDs in most developing countries?

The 15% usage of the total population depends largely on the economic status of a certain country.

4. There is a need to improve disability-related data collection system

The establishment of PDAOs in all provinces, cities, municipalities and barangay would greatly enhance the collection of data on disability

Ms. Pauline Kleinitz of the World Health Organization discussing some of the steps on how to get reliable data and statistics on PWDs

.



Issues/Concerns


What actions should be taken to improve the quality and availability of disability data and statistics that is vital to formulate disability-sensitive development policies and programs at the national level? How can we improve internationally comparable disability data and statistics?

5. There are some cases wherein the

parents specially in the provinces hide their children with disabilities. How will this affect the data gathering?

It will definitely affect the data gathering. Nothing can be done about it due to the right to privacy of those parents.

However, using the ICF tool on the types of questions may help the parents to admit that they have a child with disability although indirectly. E.g. “Is there anyone in your household who has difficulty in moving around?” type of questions, and not specifically asking directly “If you have a person with disability in your household?”.

6. How do you identify in the survey those with chronic illness?

Using the UN Washington Group on Disability can help in including the chronic illness because it includes the type of question such as “Do you have in your household somebody with difficulty in going up the stairs? Or difficulty in hearing? etc. These type of questions would therefore include those with chronic illness.

o Actg. Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga – NCDA

AED Zubiaga reported that NCDA initiates the creation of Access Monitoring Teams led by the District Engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to promote accessible environment. PWDs are involved in monitoring the implementation of Accessibility Law in their respective local government units. The Council started in the NCR and this will be duplicated in other regions within the year. The DPWH District Engineers will monitor and provide funds for the activities of the group which include PWD members. A Memorandum with the DPWH Secretary will be forged to mobilize all its district officers to organize the District Monitoring Team and the LGU Task Forces on Accessibility. This is also one of the strategies that the Council is doing in preparation for the campaign for a non-handicapping environment in all LGUs.

AED Zubiaga added that the Council, through the leadership of DPWH, is currently drafting the amendment to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of B.P. 34. In July 2013, NCDA will discuss with DOTC the amendments and/or drafting of new policies for the transport concerns. She also explained that the main concern is to determine how accessibility for PWDs can be promoted better, specifically on: (1) Built Environment, (2) Information and Communication, and (3) Transport and Technology.



The following specific measures to promote accessibility were raised during the discussion:

Issues/Concerns


What specific measures should be taken to promote accessible environment for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (including physical environment, information, communication and technology and transport)? What kind of policies and programs may be implemented to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (for example, policy on education, employment and other economic opportunities)?

1. In access audit, specific measurement of the needs of persons with disabilities on wheelchairs are sometimes not included.

Committees to be organized in the provinces should include wheelchair user and if there is no one, will have to bring a wheelchair to ensure the right measurement of the access facilities.

2. Most of the parking slots for PWDs in the malls are being occupied by motorcycles and senior citizens.

Campaign for the full implementation of RA No. 10070/creation of PDAO should be intensified so that budget for the construction or improvement of accessible features such as ramps in the locality shall be included.

3. What strategy could be used to promote accessibility?

Non-handicapping Environment is a good strategy to promote accessibility.

4. There are some local government units

which do not implement disability-related laws at the local level or do not even know those laws.

Symposiums to school children should be conducted so that children at an early age would have knowledge on the need for accessibility

Media/social networking can be tapped for information campaign

5. There are some provinces which do not provide interpreters to deaf during symposiums and orientations.

Sign language training to social workers and other staff should be given so that they will be trained to provide deaf interpretation.

6. The laws in our country are very weak because they usually use the term “encourage” or “may” which is not very forceful.

It is quite hard to require private companies to implement laws.

Existing laws should be reviewed to have more “teeth” and if possible to increase the penalties.

A system that would ensure progressive realization of the laws should be formulated.

7. There are existing assistive devices but they are too expensive which means many cannot afford. The capacity to own and the affordability is the main issue.

For the government to come up with a policy to make assistive devices more affordable.

8. LRT couches are not being used for PWDs

Awareness campaign on the Accessibility Law should be intensified.

9. Lack of information campaign about

disability

Continuous coordination with the media/PIA to air video ads about disability nationwide should be done, and not only during celebrations.

A monitoring mechanism to monitor the airing of the video ads should be created.

Adoption and promotion of DAISY



o Mr. Joselito Manabat, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Mr. Manabat, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE, explained that DOLE has programs and projects to enable everybody to have access to decent and productive work, particularly on the provision of employment and livelihood opportunities. He solicited the comments/opinions of the participants on what better way should be done for them.

The following comments/recommendations were raised to improve DOLE’s programs:

Issues/Concerns


What specific steps or actions should be taken to strengthen the capacity of all stakeholders to upgrade knowledge, develop expertise and skills to promote disability inclusion in development policies and programmes?

1. The requirements to avail of DOLE's program on the NEGO Kart, Starter Kit and others are too strict. Specifically, DOLE requires the PWDs to present the NC2 license in order to avail of financial assistance through the above-mentioned programs.

DOLE should issue an advisory/administrative order not to be too strict in their requirements to enable PWDs to avail of their programs.

All policies on employment should be reviewed to make employment accessible for PWDs which include not requiring them to provide documents that would entail a lot of cost to PWDs.

2. Is DOLE monitoring the 5% provision of employing PWDs as stated in the Magna Carta as well as the RA 10524 "An Act Expanding the Positions Reserved for PWDs, amending for the Purpose RA No. 7277?

CSC should be requested to come up with a monitoring mechanism for the strict implementation of 5% employment of PWDs to government sector and to DOLE for private companies

3. There are existing laws including the EO No. 417 "Directing the implementation of the economic independence program for persons with disabilities", which include the enhancement of the social and vocational skills capabilities of PWDs, provision of accessible work centers and to look for a continuous source of capital for livelihood programs for PWDs is not being fully implemented because of the lack of IRR.

The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) tasked to lead the formulation of the IRR should convene, together with the concerned agencies, to prepare/finalize the IRR so that EO No. 417 can be implemented. The DOLE, on the other hand, should formulate the IRR of RA 10524 being the lead agency for its implementation.

4. There is no job-matching, job preparation, and job counseling to PWDs who are qualified for employment

The DOLE should establish pre-employment and employment support services.

5. There is discrimination to deaf persons who

are looking for employment especially in the regions/provinces.

Deaf people should be encouraged to group themselves or to join organizations and develop enterprise that they can manage such as cooperative and engage in business wherein DOLE can support them.

They can also be provided skills which they can use to set up business or self-employment ventures.

Mr. Joselito Manabat of DOLE soliciting suggestions from the

group on how to improve their services

.



Issues/Concerns


6. DOLE may be requested to come-up with a hotline specifically for PWDs so that it will be easier and faster for DOLE to take action on PWD concerns.

Social networks could be used as possible means of communication

7. Parents of children with disabilities are having difficulty finding jobs because they have nowhere to leave their children with disabilities

Daycare centers for children with severe disabilities should be established to assist their families in caring for their children with disabilities to enable them to go to work.

Parents can also engage in social enterprise and/or establish their own livelihood project where DOLE can provide assistance such as setting-up of their own daycare/respite centers.

8. Ways to generate employment Ensure that PDAO is created/organized in every provinces/barangays to generate employment

9. The agency that should develop a training module for PWDs should be identified

TESDA should develop a national training module/manual for PWDs

10. What will DOLE do to those agencies who are not compliant to the RA 10524?

Since there is no IRR yet, DOLE cannot act on it.

11. Does Public Employment Service

Office has programs for PWDs?

Only few PESOs have no knowledge about PWDs.

The Sub-Committee on Employment should be localized in order to provide them awareness on the employment opportunities fro PWDs. Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz has already issued a memorandum instructing all DOLE provincial offices to lead the said sub-committee.

12. There is no action from DOLE, in coordination with DSWD, on the creation of work centers or sheltered workshops in each provincial, cities or municipalities as stated in Magna Carta for PWDs. It is also stated in the Law that they either help or support existing non-government organizations but the government is not providing such support. There should be shared responsibilities between GOs and NGOs.

It is stated in the Law that the DSWD shall design and implement training programs that will provide PWDs with vocational skills to enable them to engage in livelihood activities or obtain gainful employment. The DOLE shall likewise design and conduct training programs geared towards providing PWDs with skills for livelihood.

Basic social services were devolved to the LGUs. Likewise, DSWD Regional Offices are studying in developing and viable sustainable training programs for PWDs.

EO No. 417 should be adopted and fully implemented to promote the employment of PWDs.

13. The use of sheltered workshops or work centers is debatable because the Philippines is moving towards inclusive development.

Sheltered workshops are now called work centers because of inclusive development program.

14. The laws created in the national level are quite hard to implement in the local government level. PWD leaders should be trained/capacitated on how to deal with LCEs.

PWD Leaders should be provided trainings to capacitate them .

15. Because of devolution, the agency's representatives are not technical trained and cannot decide. This is quite frustrating to PWDs that because of budgetary constraints they cannot always attend meetings.

Staff assigned to attend meetings should be technically capable to answer the questions raised during meetings.



In ending, Mr. Manabat informed the body that all the concerns raised are anchored in the vulnerable sector which is in the Philippine Development Plan and the Labor and Employment Plan. He said that DOLE will try to ensure that there will be specific programs for PWDs. The implementation of the programs and projects of DOLE are done by their field offices in all provinces. He added that DOLE is currently working on the institutionalization of PESO wherein all local government units will have a public employment service office as the DOLE's counterpart of DOLE in the LGUs.

o Ms. Rosalie Dagulo, Department of Social Welfare and Development

Ms. Dagulo, Division Chief, Protective Services Bureau, DSWD, explained that the DSWD’s basic social services have been devolved and that it is the LGU which provides direct services. It also means that the technical experts or specialists are devolved, re-assigned or retired from service making it difficult to sustain the programs and services by the LGUs. She explained that DSWD is managing four (4) area vocational rehabilitation centers and that they have few graduates who are being employed. She added that LGUs handle the day care centers and as stated in the law, there is supposed to be one (1) day care center in every barangay.

Ms. Dagulo reported that for 2013, DSWD is studying programs that will provide employment opportunities for PWDs, in coordination with non-government organizations and disabled people’s organizations in the grassroots levels. She explained that studies showed that it is not practical and quite expensive to create or build sheltered workshops, which why they are reaching the grassroots level to be able to provide them a sense of ownership and sustainability of the project. She emphasized that LCEs should have political will to provide funds for PWDs and should come-up with the right ordinance that will address the PWD concerns. She also discussed another strategy, which is the bottom-up budgeting system, which is a good method to ensure that budget will be given to the appropriate group.

The following comments/opinions were raised during the discussion:

Issues/Concerns


What specific steps or actions should be taken to strengthen the capacity of all stakeholders to upgrade knowledge, develop expertise and skills to promote disability inclusion in development policies and programmes?

1. Prioritization of sheltered workshops

Establishing sheltered workshops is quite expensive; thus, DSWD is instead strengthening the social rehabilitation of PWDs since the current trend is to provide disability inclusive development.

2. Legal basis for the appointing persons with disabilities as co-chair in the RCDAs

NCDA has brought the issue in the NCDA board meeting because the main objective is for PWDs to be active in the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA)

3. The coverage of the programs and projects of DSWD such as the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer is not clear and also not filtered down to the local level

Information on the different programs/projects of DSWD should be disseminated from the national down to the local level.

Ms. Rosalie Dagulo of DSWD

discussing the different programs and projects of DSWD.

.



Issues/Concerns


4. DSWD should issue a circular directing its Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices (PSWDO/CSWDO/MSWDO) to support the creation of PDAO as provided for in RA No. 10070 instead of hampering them.

Because of the devolution, DSWD partners with the LGUs and DILG because they are the ones who issue memos to the LGUs and not DSWD.

5. The term "clients" is still being used by the social workers

The term "claim holders" should be used instead of clients to refer to PWDs; and "duty bearers" for service providers in the framework of rights-based society.

6. Sign Language Interpreters are not provided during the conduct of trainings for deaf persons

DSWD will inform its counterparts in the LGUs

7. Budget for the trainees at the NVRCs is not sufficient for them to survive and finish the course

DSWD will study the possibility of increasing their budget.

8. The PSWDO, CSWDO and MSWDO are not updated on the different laws.

DSWD should ensure that the PSWDO, CSWDO and MSWDO be furnished with copies of the laws concerning persons with disabilities

9. Do the PSWDO, CSWDO or the MSWDO have the right to organize PWD organizations?

DSWD can organize PWD organizations but should not be owned by the CSWDO. It will only organize DPOs to empower and capacitate them to be independent.

Panel 3: “Roles of CSOs and the Private Sector in Promoting Disability-Inclusive Development”-

o Dr. Josephine Bundoc, Physicians for Peace

Dr. Bundoc shared to the body how Physicians for Peace (PFP) which has its mother unit in North Virginia, USA, was able to overcome the disabling barriers identified at the WHO Report as follows:

Inadequate policies and standards- it is something imbedded in the government and it

is something that can be changed. PFP did not use the confrontational approach, and instead come up with a ten-year plan. Phase I was assessment where they assessed the situation of the stakeholders which are the recipients, service providers and the beneficiaries as to the root-cause of the problem. They found out that both the recipients and service providers are the problems.

After identification of the problem, they proceeded to Phase 2. There can either be no solution so they either adopt or innovate to find a solution. This can be done through funding. Then it went on to Phase 3, which is the sustainability of the project. All through-out the process, they worked with PWDs. One of its output is the Philippine School for Prosthetics and Orthotics that has an advisory board composed of PWDs, KAMPI, and government agencies such as NCDA, DILG, DOTC and DOLE. As a result, Philhealth Insurance will be launching in July a package for paying assistive devices, initially, prosthetic devices, and later on will include hearing aids, orthotic devices and others.

Dr. Josephine Bundoc of Physicians for Peace discussing how to overcome

barriers for an NGO to succeed.

.



Negative Attitudes – PFP empowered PWDs. They were able to climb the mountains,

enjoy other sports activities despite their physical disabilities which increases the awareness of the society on how empowered are PWDs. The best approach is by showing them positive impact of what can be done to empower PWDs.

Lack of provision of services – Despite lack of resources which includes using second

hand materials to make a prosthesis, PFP still help empower PWDs and thereby creating awareness on the their capabilities. The recipients are now service providers being part of the UERMM faculty. To make it sustainable, they created Regional Centers through public-private partnership either with a church group or the local government units (PDAO) and with this partnership, they were able to provide services through community-based. It does not matter whether the partner is from the government or the non-government as long as they are willing to partner and that services are delivered. One example that has a positive impact on the independence, employability and the education that it has brought to PWDs is the decision of Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to join the project of PFP.

Problem with service delivery - Transportation is one of the factors that hampers service delivery. PFP addressed this problem through private-partnership. As a result of its coordination with SMART Communication, they were able to coordinate and communicate with the clients through text which saved a lot of time and effort for service delivery. Another problem is lack of professionally trained prosthesis and orthotics and the quality of the prosthetics and the orthotics shall suffer. In terms of sustainability, PFP built a school and the graduates coming from the marginalized sector were professionally trained through scholarships.

Inadequate funding – because of the increasing number of partners which provide

fund support such as Philhealth, PCSO and some congressmen which sponsor/pay for the prosthesis/orthotics of the clients, PFP does not have problems with providing services to the marginalized PWDs.

Lack of accessibility – PFP plans to come up with satellite centers in various regions.

Through the help of government agencies, private companies, government-owned corporations, and NGOs which provide fund support for PWDs, the devices are now made affordable, accessible and appropriate to those needing them. She also reported that international business corporations namely Blatchford and Otto bock which are both high end producers of mobility devices, offered devices to Philhealth beneficiaries at a lower price.

Lack of consultation and involvement – PFP always consult and involve PWDs. That

is why they would like to expand leadership development programs to PWD leaders.

In summary, the following strategies were identified to promote disability-inclusive society:

Strengthening of Public-Private Partnership

Consultation/Involvement of PWDs

Use of technology in developing disability reliable data

Provision of accessible facilities

Expansion of the center to prepare PWDs for employment



o Mr. Lauro D. Purcil, Jr. - Center for Advocacy Learning and Livelihood (CALL)

Foundation

Mr. Purcil reported on how CALL Foundation which started as a small group 15 years ago with few number of massagists which they fielded out at Star City and then expanded in other shopping malls, has recovered from the difficulties they encountered until the foundation was given donation and technical assistance by the Development Bank of the Philippines on how to run their business and to further develop their massage business in its Iloilo branch. DBP granted the foundation a financial loan amounting to 900 thousand pesos with a counterpart from the foundation. As of the present, they have 120 masseurs, 24 supervisors, 26 utility men and women, and has not a gross income of 22 million pesos and is paying its income tax in the amount of 1. Million pesos. He reported on how the foundation was able to manage its finances and gain trust by the society. The Foundation is now expanding the provision of training on music on fine arts and folk dancing for persons with visual impairment, in coordination with the Philippine University of the Philippines, Culture and Arts. It also negotiated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to require all films included in the Metro Manila Film Festival to have an audio/video description and sign language interpretation. MMDA also agreed to help them negotiate with film producers that if there is a character that portrays someone who has disability, that character should be portrayed by a real PWD who has undergone the right acting workshop training.

Mr. Purcil emphasized that disability should not be considered as a problem nor as a hindrance to one’s growth. Instead, it is the negative attitude towards one’s disability that serves as the real barrier in impeding one’s development. He advised everybody to value the trust given to them especially in terms of monetary values.

Mr. Purcil further expounded that being a part of the Philippine Coalition of UNCRPD, CALL Foundation is advocating for the full implementation of the Convention and as such is also part of the group that will submit a parallel report to the UNCRPD. He said that the Philippine Coalition is now internationally recognized by the United Nation, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the European Union, as well as by 6 universities worldwide. He is also being invited as speaker..

In ending, Mr. Purcil pointed out that any PWD can do something to improve oneself. Impairment is not a barrier and if ever there is a physical barrier in the society, these is something that they can easily overcome. They will just need to do their role and notwithstanding its disagreement with the government on some issues, PWDs should just be vocal on what they know is right. He is optimistic that the government will understand the Sector in the long run.

The following roles/strategies were enumerated to ensure the success of non-government organizations:

Provision of livelihood opportunities to visually impaired persons

Empowerment of PWDs to be more self-reliant

Conduct of advocacy for PWDs rights and capabilities/skills

Establish networks/linkages with other DPOs and CSOs

Mr. Lauro Purcil of CALL

Foundation discussing how the Foundation was able to succeed.

.



o Captain Oscar J. Taleon - Alyansa ng May Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP Pinoy)

Captain Taleon shared to the participants on the start of AKAP-Pinoy in 2005 when Christoffelblinden Mission gave some financial assistance. Its mission is to be the lead agency in promoting a rights-based, inclusive and barrier-free society and the implementation of the UNCRPD. He presented the four (4) basic pillars the Foundation used to promote disability-inclusive development: (a) Capability Building or Capacity Development where they conducted trainers training, seminars and consultation; (b) Awareness Raising done through radio programs, which was held through training on broadcasters. The graduates are the one who assist them in promoting disability inclusive development through the airwaves; (c) Reprinting/Reproduction and distribution of information materials to PWDs to enhance their knowledge on disability laws, news and updates; and (d) Networking with government agencies such as NCDA, Philippine Information Agency and others for awareness raising. Capt. Taleon also reported that AKAP Pinoy coordinated with the Commission on Election (COMELEC) to identify a Commissioner that would be the focal person for persons with disabilities; thus, Commissioner Rene Sarmiento and Director Esmeralda Lagdra were designated as the focal persons for the PWD Sector. Coordination was also made with COMELEC with regards to the May 13 election wherein an NGO network was made which resulted to the issuance of several resolution by COMELEC. AKAP-Pinoy also conduct special projects such as distribution of wheelchairs from the Latter day Saints Charities. He also discussed their involvement in the Advisory Council on the Education of Children and Youth with Disability of the Department of Education. This aims to help the DepEd to lessen the number of children and youth with disabilities who are not enrolled from the enrollees and to come up with a Development Plan that will increase the number of children and youth with disabilities enrolled in the coming school years.

In ending, Capt. Taleon pointed out that the PWD Sector is part of the Civil Society and thus, they should not say that they cannot do anything about disability inclusive development. The term just varied mainstreaming, integration, empowerment and now it is called "disability inclusive development". After the presentation, the following roles/strategies were identified that could be utilized to achieve Disability Inclusive Development:

Conduct promotion/advocacy campaign on the rights of PWDs

Empowerment/Capacitating PWDs to be leaders

Complementing government initiatives in terms of IEC campaign

Distribution of assistive devices (wheelchair)

Networking/Linkages with GOs, DPOs and CSOs

Promotion of disability inclusive development

Please refer to pages 47-49 for the list of issues and barriers identified in the discussion of Panels 1-3 and some corresponding recommendations/actions. The consolidated responses to the Guiding Statement to the High Level of the General Assembly on Disability and Development are also attached as pages 50-56.

Capt. Oscar Taleon, AKAP, Pinoy

discussing what they did to advocate for disability inclusive development

.



ANALYSIS:

AED Zubiaga pointed out that disabled people’s organizations (DPOs), civil society organizations, as stated in the UNCRPD, should have full participation in the implementation of the UNCRPD. As DPOs and CSOs, they should be given the capacity to actively participate in monitoring the full implementation of the UNCRPD in the grass root levels. She enjoined the participants to organize a "Consultative Group" that will represent them whenever there is a need for another consultative dialogue. It will consist of 30 people coming from legitimate organizations and that these organizations should organize the PWD groups down to the barangay level.

In response to AED Zubiaga's request for possible solutions to strengthen DPOs and CSOs for them to have full implementation of the UNCRPD, the following suggestions/recommendations were raised:

1) Strengthen partnership between NCDA and NAPC Basic Sectoral Council, because we can capacitate more persons with disabilities;

2) Regionalize national gatherings so that more areas can be reached;

3) Develop clear monitoring instruments to validate the existence of the members of each organization

4) NCDA and NAPC starting 2014 to invalidate/expire all the existing NGOs and for them to re-apply for accreditation/acknowledgment to the accrediting agency in order to have a clear record of all legitimate organizations

5) Increase awareness on the existence of NCDA and NAPC as the government focal agency on disability

6) Organize/Reorganize DPOs starting at the barangay level

7) DPOs to be role models in the implementation of UNCRPD

8) Lobby for the 60% IRA allocation for local government units/Increase income of LGUs

9) Development of a good track record for credibility of PWD organizations

10) Continue to look for best practices for possible adoption

11) Involvement of PWDs at the grassroots level

12) Utilize technology

13) Be innovative

14) Advocate on the needs/programs for PWDs

15) Capacity Development for the sector, both the duty bearers and the claimholders

16) DPOs to initiate activities/events at the regional level

17) Involvement of LGUs on disability related activities

18) Partnership with social workers/LGUs

19) Develop a profile on the number of persons with disabilities

20) Leadership development and values formation

21) Support the development of new leaders

22) Do away with rivalry/competition

23) Be the change you want to be



DAY 2: May 11, 2013

RECAP OF DAY 1

The day started with a short prayer led by Ms. Baquir, followed by the participants' review of the results of the first day of the national consultation. Mr. Teddie Kahil also had the opportunity to thank Dr. Bagian Aleyssa Abdulkarim, Ph D. of the Western Mindanao State University, for her unstinted help to the former finished his studies.

PRESENTATION AND ADOPTION OF THE OUTCOME DOCUMENT: PHILIPPINE STATEMENT

AED Zubiaga thanked everybody for participating in the discussion of Panels 1 to 3. She said that their inputs will be used in crafting the Philippine Statement which will be presented as the country's input to the outcome document of the General Assembly's HLMDD slated on September 23, 2013 in New York. She will also personally deliver the statement to the ESCAP's meeting dubbed as "The Way Forward - Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation on a Disability-Inclusive Development Agenda Towards 2015 and Beyond" on May 15, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The participants thoroughly reviewed and provided inputs to the draft Philippine Statement presented by AED Zubiaga, assisted by DED Lee and Ms. Baquir.

Some of the issues deliberated by the participants include the following:

o The term "DPO" is the universally accepted term for organizations of persons with disabilities; thus, it should be reflected in the document (1st paragraph)

o There was a consensus on the use of the term "declaration" rather than "agenda" in the paragraph 2, considering that the word (declaration) means a sworn statement and used in formal agreement

o There was a consensus to maintain the use of the term "invisible" in the paragraph 3 since it is also used by World Bank study and in other international documents.

o The acronym of international bodies enumerated in paragraph 4 such as ICHR, ASEAN and APEC should be spelled out.

o There is enough data to justify that there were previous Country Statements which were done without consulting the PWD Sector. Thus, the word absence of PWDs as representatives…" was maintained in paragraph 4

o There was a consensus to use the word "Re-affirm" in paragraph 5.1 instead of reiterate/highlight. The Incheon Strategy was also adopted as one of the guiding frameworks in the implementation of the UNCRPD globally (paragraph 5.2)

The participants (left) before the start of the session. Dr. Baguian Aleyssa

Abdulkarim of the Western Mindanao State University (right) expresses

support to the PWD sector.



o There was a comment that the institutionalization of capacity building of PWD

organizations/DPOs as one of the good practices was not really implemented (paragraph 6.1)

o Other groups that are being consulted and involved are already considered "stakeholders", thus, there is no need to enumerate all of them. (paragraph 6.2)

o Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) is being created only in the Philippines; thus, a general term "establishing a mechanism or structure in all government levels of decision making" was used in paragraph 6.4.a.iii. rather than mentioning local laws.

o Local legislations like RA No. 7277 require implementation and need not be included in the Philippine Statement.

o Review of existing policies related to employment may include study on labor market.

o There was a consensus on indicating "parents/guardians of children with disabilities" on paragraph 6.d.iii instead of "family" to be specific

o Day care centers should also provide services to children with disabilities and be opened until night to enable parents to work.

AED Zubiaga said that the Council will send the adopted document to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the styling of Philippine Statement before presenting it to the HLMDD.

After the comprehensive review of the document, the participants affixed their signatures to the manuscript signifying the adoption of the said Philippine Statement. Nevertheless, AED Zubiaga enjoined everybody to send any further comments/recommendation to the Philippine Statement not later than 12:00 Noon of May 14, 2013.

The participants giving their comments/recommendations to the draft Philippine

Statement being presented by DED Mateo Lee and AED Carmen Zubiaga

(foremost right)



CLOSING CEREMONY

On behalf of the participants, Mr. del Rio, thanked NCDA for being pro-active in convening the PWD Sector into a national consultation. This gave them an opportunity to express their concerns as valuable inputs in crafting the Philippine Statement to be presented to the HLMDD. He expressed optimism that the Council's initiative indicates the government's willingness to listen to the voice of the PWD Sector.

AED Zubiaga thanked the NAPC and all DPO representatives/PWD Leaders for their active participation in the discussion during the 2-day national consultation. She was grateful for the partnership of NCDA with WHO and Physicians with Peace. She also thanked the academe represented by Dr. Abdulkarim for the support to the PWD Sector.

AED Zubiaga also informed the participants on the group composed of representatives

from DSWD, DOLE, DOJ, and other duty bearers, as well as from the PWD Sector, who will be sent to Australia to prepare a "Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation Tool". The RBME Tool will be used to ensure the UNCRPD compliance to "Make the Rights of PWDs Real". Considering that NCDA cannot always convene a big group to confer emerging issues affecting the Sector, she expressed hope to have a legitimate "PWD Consultative Group" composed of selected PWD leaders who could come up with sound recommendations for policy and program development.

Mr. Ronnel del Rio commends NCDA for being pro-active in convening the

PWD Sector into a national consultation.

Actg. Exec. Dir. Carmen Zubiaga thanked everybody for their active participation during the

2-day consultation.



REVIEW OF THE GLOBAL PREPARATORY PROCESS TOWARDS DISABILITY-

INCLUSIVE POST 2015 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

(Presentation of Deputy Executive Director Mateo A. Lee, Jr., NCDA)

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE UN SYSTEMUpdate on the High-level Meeting on Disability and DevelopmentThe High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on Disability and Development (HLMDD, http://www.un.org/hlmdd2013) will take place on 23 September, this year. Prior to the meeting, a negotiated outcome document will be prepared by Member States, informed by input from organizations of persons with disabilities and other relevant stakeholders. The preparatory process of the HLMDD is described on the Enable website and includes a range of consultations. Most recently, DESA, in partnership with UNICEF, conducted online global consultations from 8 March to 5 April 2013 in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Final summaries of the discussions are now available online. (http://www.worldwewant2015.org/enable). Furthermore, regional consultations have taken place in Brussels (25 April) and will take place in Bahia, Brazil (17 to 18 May) and Bangkok (15 to 16 May).

EGM on a disability inclusive development agenda towards 2015 and beyondDESA, in close collaboration with the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) had organized an Expert Group Meeting (EGM) entitled: "A disability-inclusive development agenda towards 2015 and beyond” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this 2 to 4 May 2013. The EGM will provide a forum for independent experts in areas such as: disability, development policy and programmes, and disability data and statistics, to assess the major obstacles encountered in the implementation of internationally agreed development goals, such as the MDGs for persons with disabilities. Against the backdrop on the work underway to shape a global development agenda for 2015 and beyond, the EGM will also develop strategic options and recommendations to reinforce the disability perspective in the post-2015 development agenda. The experts will also recommend specific actions that can be taken by, Governments, the UN system, civil society and other stakeholders, towards this objective.



REVIEW OF THE INCHEON STRATEGY TO "MAKE THE RIGHT REAL"

FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

(Presentation of Acting Executive Director Carmen R. Zubiaga, NCDA)

CARMEN REYES-ZUBIAGA

ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY AFFAIRS

Incheon Strategy to

“Make the Right

Real” for Persons

with Disabilities in

Asia and the Pacific

a framework that would

guide the implementation

of the UN Convention on

the Rights of Persons with

disabilities in the Asian and

the Pacific Region

IT HAS 10 GOALS WITH

27 TARGETS AND 62

INDICATORS FOR

MONITORING AND

EVALUATION FOR THE

DECADE OF 2013-2022



ISSUES DUTY BEARERS

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

SKILLS TRAINING AND

KNOWLEDGE DEVT.

CAPITAL FOR SMALL

BUSINESS

JOB PLACEMENT

CAPACITY BUILDING

FOR SOCIAL

ENTERPRISES

DSWD

TESDA

DOLE

DA

DTI

LOCAL PESO OFFICES

ORGANIZING DPOS

PDAO

REPRESENTATION TO

LOCAL, REGIONAL

AND NATIONAL

DECISION MAKING

BODIES

BOTTOMS UP

BUDGETING

DSWD/ NCDA

DILG

NAPC

DBM

COMELEC

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

TRANSPORT AND INFO

DISTRICT ACCESS-

IBILITY MONITORING

GROUP

AMEND OF BP344

PWDS TO CONDUCT

ACCESS AUDITS

POLICY

IMPLEMENTATION

DPWH

DOTC

DILG

DPOS/ CSO

DEPED

LGU

AREAS OF CONCERNS DUTY BEARERS

ACCESS TO JUSTICE

ACCESS TO BASIC

SERVICES

HEALTH INSURANCE

DISABILITY SUPPORT

SERVICES

DOJ

DOH

DEPED

PHILHEALTH, SSS,

GSIS, ECC, OWWA

NCDA

DSWD

AREAS DUTY BEARER

EARLY DETECTION

HEALTH AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FROM DAY CARE- K12

TRAINING OF PROFESSIONALS, PARENTS AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

STRENGTHEN CBR

DSWD

DOH

DEPED

NCDA

LGUS



AREAS DUTY BEARERS

PARTICIPATION AND

REPRESENTATION OF

WOMEN WITH DIS-

ABILITIES IN LOCAL

ORGANIZATIONS;

CAPACITY BUILDING OF

WWD ORGANIZATION

ACCESS OF WWD TO

GAD AND OTHER

PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN

PCW, NCDA

DSWD

WOMEN CSO

LGU

AREAS DUTY BEARERS

DISASTER

PREPAREDNESS

RESCUE AND

OPERATIONS

DISABILITY DATA AT

THE BGY LEVEL

PROCUREMENT OF

FACILITIES AND

EQUIPMENT FOR PWD

DSWD, NCDA

OFFICE OF CIVIL

DEFENSE

LOCAL DRRM OFFICE

HEALTH

CSO / DPOS

AREAS DUTY BEARERS

PWD REGISTRY

INCLUSION OF

DISABILITY IN

NATIONAL CENSUS

COMPLIANCE OF LGU

IN ISSUANCE OF PWD

ID (RA 9442)

DOH

NEDA / NSO/ NCSB

DSWD

NCDA

DILG

LGU

AREAS DUTY BEARERS

REVIEW OF EXISTING

LAWS AND PROGRAM

POLICIES;

PARTICIPATION IN

UNCRPD CAMPAIGN

WITHIN THE AP

REGION

CAPACITY BUILDING

OF DPOS TO

PARTICIPATE

LEGISLATIVE BODIES

NCDA

DSWD

DFA

CHR

CSOS

DPOS

PWD REPRESENTATION

IN ALL TREATY

DELEGATION

CAPACITY BUILDING

OF PWD LEADERS TO

PARTICIPATE

DFA

LEAD AGENCIES IN

EACH TREATY

NCDA

CSOS / DPOS

DRAFTING OF A

PRESIDENTIAL

PROCLAMATION 2013 -

2022 AS DECADE OF

MAKE THE RIGHTS

REAL FOR PERSONS

WITH DISABILITIES

CREATION OF THE

SUB-COMMITTEE ON

LEGISLATIVE AND

POLICY DEVELOPMENT



- A pre-condition for persons with disabilities to fulfil their rights in an inclusive society;

- Based on Universal Design which increases safety and usability for other members of society;

Target 3.AIncrease the accessibility of the physical environment in the national capital that is open to the public

Target 3.B Enhance the accessibility and usability of public transportation

Target 3.C Enhance the accessibility and usability of information and communications services

Target 3.D Halve the proportion of persons with disabilities who need but do not have appropriate assistive devices or products

3.1 Proportion of accessible government buildings in the national capital

3.2 Proportion of accessible international airports

3.3 Proportion of daily captioning and sign-language interpretation of public television news programmes

3.4 Proportion of accessible and usable public documents and websites that meet internationally recognized accessibility standards

3.5 Proportion of persons with disabilities who need assistive devices or products and have them



3.6 Availability of a government access audit programme that requires the participation of experts with disabilities

3.7 Availability of mandatory technical standards for barrier-free access that govern the approval of all designs for buildings that could be used by members of the public, taking into consideration internationally recognized standards, such as those of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

3.8 Number of sign language interpreters

3.9 Availability of mandatory technical standards for barrier-free access that govern the approval of all ICT-related services, such as websites for the public, taking into consideration internationally recognized standards, such as those of the ISO

ALL OUT CAMPAIGN TO CHANGE THE WAY SOCIETY LOOK AT PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES-

FROM OBJECT OF CHARITY

TO CITIZENS WITH RIGHTS

ON AN EQUAL BASIS WITH

OTHERS

NOTHING ABOUT US

WITHOUT US!



RESULTS OF PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Panel 1: “Good Practices and Challenges in Disability-Inclusive Development and the CRPD Implementation”

Identified Issues and Barriers:

Invisibility of disability sector in the Millennium Development Goals

Multiple vulnerability of PWDs with gender, ages, ethnicity, social economic status, religion, culture, geographic condition

Absence of representative/expert on disability in most international treaty bodies

Proposed Actions related to proven experiences in the successful promotion of disability inclusion in development

Institutionalize capacity building of DPOs in government’s programs and services

Continuous involvement of PWDs, parents and other stakeholders in the promotion of an inclusive development

Include disability programs at the grassroot level through CBR

Capacitate more teachers on inclusive education

Strengthen engagement of inter-agency efforts toward inclusive electoral system

Strengthen linkages through tapping of international cooperation for funding purposes

Organize PWDs up to the barangay level

Maintain harmonious relationship between DPOs and LGUs



Panel 2: “What steps to be taken in promoting accessibility, disability statistics and capacity building of stakeholders?”

Recommended Actions:

Organize Access Monitoring Teams up to the local levels involving the active participation of PWDs

Promote the establishment of PDAO in all LGUs to ensure provision of funds for the installation of accessible facilities towards a creation of a non-handicapping environment

Conduct continuous awareness raising campaign on the rights and privileges of PWDs

Institutionalize sign language support services in all government agencies’ programs and services

Review existing laws and promote their implementation

Promote accessible, affordable, and appropriate assistive technologies and devices

Adopt and promote Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) standards in creation of digital talking books

Organize PDAO in all provinces

Use internationally agreed tools in defining and identifying disability (ICF & Washington Group)

Prioritize disaggregation of data (such as employed PWDs, etc)

Employment /Capability Building

Simplify requirements and guidelines in accessing government programs and services

Establish monitoring mechanism in hiring of PWDs by the government sector and the private companies

Formulate Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10524 and EO 417

Establish pre-employment support services for PWDs

Include deaf in economic activities together with other PWDs

Establish Day Care Centers for children with severe disabilities

Involve parent organizations in social enterprise

Strengthen PDAO implementation to generate employment for PWDs

DOLE to initiate creation of work centers for PWDs in LGUs or support existing NGOs engaged with work centers for PWDs

Adopt and fully implement EO 417 for the promotion of employment for persons with disabilities

Strengthen feedback mechanisms



Panel 3: “Roles of CSOs and the Private Sector in Promoting Disability-Inclusive Development?”

Identified Roles:

Partners towards Disability Inclusive Development

Create venues for consultation and other engagement with the sector

They make accessible, affordable and appropriate assistive device

Provide fund support in reliable disability data

Empower PWDs to be more self-reliant by providing livelihood opportunities and other capability-building activities

Strengthen Networks/Linkages with other DPOs and CSOs

Complement government efforts on the promotion of the rights and privileges of PWDs



RESPONSES TO THE GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR CONSULTATIONS AND

INPUTS FOR PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE

HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON DISABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

United Nations High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Disability and Development

Guiding Questions for Consultations and Inputs for Preparatory Work for the

High-Level Meeting on Disability and Development

Questions

Responses

1. What are the major obstacles encountered and challenges faced in relation to implementing policies and programs for the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and other internationally agreed development goals for persons with disabilities?

o One of the factors that I have saw in implementing policies is the general approach that in reality there’s a lot of PWD’s with different impairment that’s why we have to be specific in our goals recording to disability.

o Lack of information dissemination to gross root of the sector and the attitudinal barrier of some stakeholders.

o Lack of support with Local Government Units (LGUs) in the implementation/monitoring of PWDs programs

o Lack of information/dissemination from the National Agency, Regional, Provincial Cities, municipal and barangay

o No allocation of budget according to the Law. PWD sector last priority.

o Lack of advocacy/information dissemination of the sector (PWD) during the fora on these programs and policies only representative of LCEs and Gas are attending so information will not be delayed

o Less prioritize

o Lack of participation from the PWDs

o Lack cooperation from the business sector

o Small allocation of funds

From Teddy Kahil (President, Philippine Blind Union):

o Lack of orientation of some government officials.

o Preferences of government officials.

o Insensitivity to certain policies.

from NORFIL Foundation, Inc.:

o Funding LGUs hesitant

From Ranilo Sorongon / Elizabeth Udquin Autism Society Philippines

o No involvement of the sectoral persons with disabilities sector like: a) persons with disabilities b) parents of children with disabilities c) representative of organizations working for and

with PWDs



Questions

Responses

2. Based on your experience, what approaches or actions have proven successful promoting the inclusion of disability in development?

o In our experienced the CBR approached is very effective since it promotes inclusive society as a whole in general.

o The community based rehabilitation strategy is one of the effective approaches in the promotion of inclusion of disability in development.

o Established a good relationship with LGU

o Lobbying, presentation of data banking

o Creation of Sub-Committee for PWDs

o The involvement of the Local Government Unit as prime movers

attitudinal change of the society and PWD sector.

o Be friendly to LGUs, show caring of god practices and creation of

ordinances.

o To include PWDs in every planning development in their locality

fromTeddy Kahil (President, Philippine Blind Union):

o Participation in all matters to disability issues, direct involvement in all the decision-making process, legislation and in special bodies of the government.


o Training of Law Enforcers and frontline services provider on handling Persons with disabilities particularly on sign language

o Training of regular Teachers on Disabilities and Teacher Strategies

o Training of Community volunteers(BNS, BITS, DCWs) an early detection and prevention of disabilities

o Organization of Parent with children with Disabilities (AKAPIN Batangan) as partners of LGUs and CBR implementation


o Involvement of the different groups/ stakeholders: a) Persons with disabilities b) Parents of children with disabilities c) Representative of organization d) Private sector e) Government agencies f) Professional groups

From Liliane Foundation

o Parents organization implemented programs and services of children with disability in partnership with local government units

o Parents organization /DPO representation in local bodies, RCDA/NCDA

o Using CBR strategy in the delivery/implementation of program

o On going implementation of Alternative Learning System in City of San Fernando, Pampanga in partnership in NGO (IMMFI)



Questions

Responses

3. What specific steps or actions should be taken to promote the goals and objectives of the CRPD to promote inclusive society and development?

o Continue advocating all the laws that will be fully implemented to all LGU’s since LGU’s are the key factor in reaching our goals and objectives.

o BP 344 should be ratified by Congress considering there are some salient features of the law which are obsolete.

o Creation/establishing of Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) RA 10070

o Establishment of Non-Handicapping Environment (NHE) in every municipalities, provincial, cities.

o Information dissemination to the local level to LGU one on one approach

o In every way these must be a slot, as well as in the Municipal City, Regional to strengthen more the existence of DPOs to be good

advocates.

o Strong coordination/good relationship with stakeholders

o Get involve of the PWD leaders down to the barangay level with focal person


o Work together with the Philippine Congress for the harmonization of CRPD and domestic laws, adopting of ordinances beneficial to the sector.

o Conduct of wider scope of orientation of the provisions of CRPD.


o Strict monitoring in the implementation o Local adaptation thru Sangguniang Bayan resolution

ordinances


o Involvement of the different groups mentioned in the preceding questions from the planning implementation monitoring and evaluation.



Questions

Responses

4. What specific measure should be taken to promote accessible environment for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (including physical environment, information, communication and technology and transport)?

What kind of policies and programs may be implemented to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities (for example, policy on education, employment and other economic opportunities)?

o Continue advocating to the line government agencies concerned, monitoring regarding the implementation of laws like the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Science and Technology, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Department of Education, etc.

o Continue awareness.

o Intensive Non-Handicapping Environment should be pass into law and the full implementation of the RA 10524

o Promotion/Implementation/establishment Non-Handicapping Environment (NHE), in all areas of the country. Its five components.

o Implementation/monitoring BP 344 in all private and public establishment

o Information/dissemination about the PWDs program and activities

o Public awareness toward PWDs

o To promote, give lectures on the universal design on accessibility, access audit on existing structures.

o Information dissemination through radio programs

o For technology-PWD friendly computers, TESDA scholarship.

o For transport- frequent coordination with LTFRB, LTO , MMDA and Police force.

o Organized monitoring and implementation to be used by DPWH

o Revise the building code to include the implementation of Accessible Facilities

o PWDs must be member of the Building Approval Official for every locality


o 1. Passage of national/local laws 1. Adopting NHE in all areas of the country

o 1. On education, issuance of guidelines for the effective implementation of scholarship program for PWDs for post-graduate study.

2. On employment, for public employment, passage of a policy giving preference to qualified PWDs to head/man facilities catering to PWDs be it in academic institution or any offices whose functions cater to PWD concerns.


o Strict implementation

o Lobby to new congress/senate to re-visit Local Government Code

o Submission of comprehensive plan for Persons with disabilities programs and services

o Come up with Comprehensive National Development Plan for Persons with Disabilities


o Adoption of universal design o Accessible transport system o Adoption of the Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) o Incheon Strategy o Education for ALL

RA 7277, RA 9442, RA 10070



Questions

Responses

5. What actions should be taken to improve the quality and availability of disability data and statistics that is vital to formulate disability-sensitive development policies and programs at the national level? How can we improve internationally comparable disability data and statistics?

o Every organized DPO’s must come out with their survey specifically the kind if disability from lowest like barangay up to national.

o Fast track the Department of Health Online Registration to create comprehensive data bank for persons with disabilities.

o It started collecting data at the local level such as purok, barangay, and municipality, cities

o Partnership with the concern agency such as NSO, DOH

o Implement the Plan on data gathering of DOH, make it as one priority program

o Continuous possible exposure to other countries on disability programs

o Roles of the stakeholders

Civil society including PWD organizations

International organization

Development agencies

Academic institutions

o Continuous linkages with LGUs

o Encourage the online communication and updates data from all regions through email.

o Have more comprehensive date information for PWD


o For the concerned agency to work closely with PWDs purposely to reconcile the available data

o Form a convergence involving PDAO, DOH, DSWD, NSO, DOLE


o Implement ALS for PWDs

o Conduct/provide comprehensive orientation to enumerators (NHTS, CBMS, Poverty mapping)


o Standardize definition and disability in the national regional and international.

o Involvement of persons with disability, parents of children with disabilities, and organizations involves with disabilities as consultation in the research, etc.



Questions

Responses

6. What specific steps or actions should be taken to strengthen the capacity of all stakeholders to upgrade knowledge, develop expertise and skills to promote disability inclusion in development policies and programmes?

o Continued capability building specifically, what are the needs of every stakeholders in line with their programme’s and services they provide.

o Intensive media, radio and consultative fora/ forum discussing all laws and policies pertaining to disability-related concerns.

o Continuously orientation, training, partnership and stakeholders

o Tri-media such radio, newspaper and TV social network media such as Facebook, Tritter, Viber

o Empower and support financially to be able to mobilize the PWD organization

o Promotion of independent program and its components and all areas of Philippines to PDAO

o To have permanent representative/stakeholders to represent on for PWD


o Conduct series of training on disability international and domestic policies for concerned stakeholders


o Require/ mandatory attendance of the Department on the meetings and not clear or staff only (cannot decide on matters discussed)


o Come up with a Comprehensive Education and Training Programs

o Pool of Speakers/Trainers

7. In addition to the areas identified above (in questions 3 to 6), what other elements should be addressed in the outcome document of the High-level Meeting particularly in view of the emerging post-2015 development agenda?

o Convergence of all efforts of the PWD sector and units for the betterment of the sector.

o Economic Development Program for PWDs

o Implementation of 1% of workforce in the private and government sector


o Provision of technical assistance, financial assistance, consultancy and legal services.


o Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the MDS with concrete indicators



Questions

Responses

8. What are the roles of the relevant stakeholders [(a) civil society including organizations of persons with disabilities and other NGOs; (b) international organizations; (c) development agencies and (d) academic institutions]?

o Advocate and monitor for all existing laws

o (a-c) Civil society including organizations of PWDs and other NGOs.

o Strengthening the PWDs with their partnership of LGUs

o Provides supports financially, trainings

o Continuously provides advocacy, trainings

o Education about the PWD sectors

o Coordinate, participate compliment each other not compete


o Full recognition of corporate social responsibility


o Parents of Children with disabilities and representative organizations a. Advocates b. Planners c. Implementers d. Evaluators

9. What specific role could the private sector assume in order to promote the goal of disability-inclusive society?

o Before the private sector assume its role, government should first know their roles.

o Participation with the programs of PWD sector

o Create support system

o Thru the LGU initiative private sector would participate in the programs and project for PWDs

fromTeddy Khahil (President, Philippine Blind Union):

o Employment and education and academic aspect should be given emphasis.

o Employment, vocational and academic aspect should be given emphasis.


o Acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity.

o Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

10. Please provide any additional suggestions of recommendations you may have for the High-level Meeting

o Invitation of grassroot leaders in HLM.

o Results documents should be available at the National Office/Website

o Meeting the PWD together with their focal person (DSWD) for a good

harmony work in LGU


o Inclusion of PWD gross root leaders in the international discussions concerning disability issues.


o Recognition of the roles of parents of children with disabilities



DIRECTORY OF PARTICIPANTS AND SECRETARIAT

NAME ORGANIZATION ADDRESS/CONTACT NUMBERS DISABILITY

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

1 Teresa dela Cruz Liliane Foundation St. Joseph's College Compound, 295 E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd., Quezon City T:726-5650

Visually Impaired (VI)

2 Emer Rojas National Sectoral Representative

# 1 Fuentes Drive, North Susana Executive Village, Quezon City T: 951-2345/951-5555/703-1704 M: 0922-8922850/0917-8586921 E: [email protected]

Speech

3 Rodney Aranda NAPC National Council Member

c/o Life Haven Inc. 4013 Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela

Severely Disabled

4 Ericzon Dy NAPC National Council Member

c/o Life Haven Inc. 4013 Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela

Severely Disabled

5

Jean Gonzales

NAPC National Council Member

c/o PACDLD 69 Ermin Garcia Street, Cubao, Quezon City T: 721-0694 F: 4106848/929-0102 M: 0919-7836494 E: [email protected]; [email protected]

6

Elizabeth Woqun


c/ o Autism Society Philippines Rm. 307 M.L Building, 47 Kamias Road, Quezon City T:926-6941 / 929-8447 E: [email protected]

7

Ranilo Sorongon


c/ o Autism Society Philippines Rm. 307 M.L Building, 47 Kamias Road, Quezon City T:926-6941 / 929-8447 E: [email protected];ranilasp@ gmail.com

8 Samuel Bañares CALL Foundation

9 Lauro Pucil CALL Foundation E: [email protected] M: 0916-2320223

10

Dr. Liza Martinez

Philippine Deaf Resource Center, Inc. (PDRC)

27 K-7 Street, West Kamias, Quezon City T: 921-8521 / 994-1441 M: 0927-5288662 E: [email protected];[email protected]

Chronic Illness

11

Capt. Oscar Taleon

AKAP-PINOY

c/o Office of the Consultant on Disability Affairs, G/F Mabini Hall, PVAO Compound Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City TF: 995-8616 / 942-0030 M: 0918-3554475 E:[email protected]

VI

12

Daylinda Taleon

AKAP-PINOY

c/o Office of the Consultant on Disability Affairs, G/F Mabini Hall, PVAO Compound Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City TF: 995-8616 / 942-0030 M: 0918-9212915 E: [email protected]

13 Ana Fe Maravillas President, Las Piñas Federation of Organizations of PWDs

City Government of Las Piñas, Las Piñas City Hall, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas City T: 471-3437 E: [email protected]

Severely Disabled



NAME ORGANIZATION ADDRESS/CONTACT NUMBERS DISABILITY

14 Gilda Delgado Las Piñas Federation of Organizations of PWDs

City Government of Las Piñas, Las Piñas City Hall, Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas City

15 Alex Mendoza Vice President, PDAO Quezon City

Local Government of Quezon City, Quezon City Hall, Elliptical Road, Brgy. Central, Diliman, Quezon City T:453-6894 / 0915-5176417

Physical Impairment (Orthope-dical)

16 Gina Rose Balanlay Chairperson, Sub-Committee on Women, Philippine Blind Union

c/o Office of the Consultant on Disability Affairs, G/F Mabini Hall, PVAO Compound Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City

VI

17 Maria Criselda Morales Bisda

Strategist Manager NOVEL, 12th Avenue, Grace Park,

Caloocan City / Email: [email protected] VI

18 Cyrus Ballega President, Pasig Association of PWD

City Government of Pasig, Pasig City Hall, Caruncho Avenue, Barangay San Nicolas, Pasig City E: [email protected]

19 Antonio Hornedo Preacher, Deaf Gospel Meeting

E: [email protected] Hearing Impairment (HI)

20 Atty. Jessica Siquijor

Office of the Solicitor General

Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City T: 985-1082/0928-5064837 E: [email protected]

Ortho- Wheelchair user

21 Jay Maisel Lardizabal

Interpreter for the Deaf

M: 0917-5238007 T:585-4870 E: [email protected]

22 Febe Sevilla Interpreter for the Deaf

Email: [email protected]

23 Octavio Gonzales Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities (PACDLD

c/o PACDLD 69 Ermin Garcia Street, Cubao, Quezon City T: 721-0694 F: 4106848/929-0102 M: 0919-7836494 E: [email protected]; [email protected]

24 Arceli Ragsac Department of Justice (DOJ)

Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila E: [email protected]

25 Jun Bernardino

26 Michael Vergara

27 Atty. Dulfie Shalim Department of Social Welfare and Development

Constitutional Hills, Batasan Pambansa Complex , Quezon City T: 951-7438 / 951-7437 / 931-8101 loc. 408/406

28 Rosalie Dagulo Department of Social Welfare and Development

Constitutional Hills, Batasan Pambansa Complex , Quezon City T: 951-7438 / 951-7437 / 931-8101 loc. 408/406

29 Cresencia Basas Caloocan City

30 Daniella Bisda

31 John Michael Delbois

0917-5362849

32 Jun-jun Sevilla Interpreter for the Deaf

0927-63272114

33 Rapunzel Acop Acting Director, Department of Foreign Affairs-UNIO

DFA Building, 2330 Roxas Blvd. Pasay City E: [email protected]

34 Dr. Josephine Bundoc

Physicians for Peace [email protected] mobile - 09189031798

35 Teresita Mendoza VIBES

36.

Joselito Manabat

DOLE Supervising Labor and Employment Officer [email protected] 527-5858; 527-5856; 09159016465

37.

Pauline Kleinitz World Health Organization

Technical Officer on Disability Western Pacific Regional Office 09088868739



NAME ORGANIZATION ADDRESS/CONTACT NUMBERS

DISABILITY

LUZON

1 Josephine De Vera Regional Women with Disabilities Group / NAPC Council Member

c/o KAMPI Ortho

2 Amalia Decena Regional Women with Disabilities Group

c/o PSWDO, Cagayan Valley VI

3 Rommel San Pascual VI

4 Rodolfo Mendoza Regional Federation of PWDs/NAPC

c/o PSWDO, Nueva Ecija, Palayan City

Ortho

5 Zenaida Guevarra AKAPIN, Bulacan c/o PSWDO Bulacan, Malolos City

6 Aljon Cepedoza 0943-4493188 / 655-0812 caregiver

7 Joy Garcia NAPC Regional Sectoral Representative, Region IVA

c/o Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. Cainta, Rizal / Email: [email protected]

Ortho

8 Marissa S. Leachon AKAPIN Batangan Email: batangan_akapin@yahoo. com

9 Minerva Docot PWD Kabuhayan Industries Association of the Philippines, Inc.

caregiver

10 Jesus Docot PWD Kabuhayan Industries Association of the Philippines, Inc.

Email: [email protected]; kabuhayan_industries@ yahoo.com

Ortho-wheelchair user

11 Ronnel Del Rio NAPC National Council c/o Governor’s Office, Batangas Province

VI

12 Sammy Boy Manoy President, Romblon Federation

c/o PSWDO Romblon Ortho

14. Arlene Satuito NAPC Sectoral Representative PSWDO Albay/ Email: arlene910_afpwd@yahoo. com / 0910-4530963

15. Haide Aremillo NAPC Sectoral Representatie Region IVA / Email: alicecmoshoppe@yahoo. com

VI

16 Cecilia Calizar Regional Federation of PWDs c/o CSWDO Tabuk City

17 Avelino Tomas NAPC Council Member c.o FARAD, Baguio City / Email: [email protected] / 0942-3455505

18 Jeffrey Dimas Heaven of Care Resource Center, Inc., Baguio City

[email protected] / 0928-5225832

19 Danilo Julie DJ Castro Young Voice Wheelchair

20 Helen Mae Noble Young Voice helenmaenoble@yahoo. com.ph

VI

21 Raquel Estiller Baguio Federation of Deaf

22 Ermelinda Atienza Secretary, Regional Federation of PWD in Quezon Province

[email protected] Ortho

23 Raymond Mañago

24 Jeremy Gorospe WHO [email protected]




DISABILITY

VISAYAS

1 Mario Abaygar Vice Chairman, RDA Region 6 Email: mfabaygar04@yahoo. com

Ortho

2 Nemesio Israel Flores, Jr.

President, ADP Iloilo ADP, Inc. Jaro, Iloilo City / Email: [email protected]

VI

3 Nancy Tejares President, San Jose, Antique c/o Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, San Jose, Antique

4 Mateo Quilas NAPC Sectoral Representative Region 7

Email: mateoquilas@yahoo. com / 0912-8164508

VI

5 Tess Chua Vice Chairperson, RCDA 7, Subcommittee on Accessibility

Email: [email protected] Severely disabled

6 Atty. Albert Yruma NAPC Sectoral Representative Region 8

c/o PSWDO, Northern Samae

Wheelchair user

7 Lorenzo Porlares Bohol Federation of Disabled Persons Inc., Tamblot St., Tagbilaran City

507-8172

8 Edmundo Balan Head, PDAO Program c/o Hon. Maria Fe Abunda, Mayor. Borongan City / Email: [email protected]

Ortho

9 Angelina Paghubasan Norfil Rehabilitation Foundation, Region 7

c/o AKAPIN, Cebu City / Email: [email protected]

MINDANAO

1 Teddy Kahil Regional Federation of PWDs c/o CSWDO Zamboanga City / E: [email protected] / 0919-9961890

2 Violeta Magaso Philippine Ass’nyui of Developmental Learning Disability

Zamboanga City

3 Dr. Bagian Aleyssa Abdulkarim, PhD.

Professor, Western Mindanao State University

Email: [email protected]/ Zamboanga City

4 Enrique Ampo Executive Director, Haci De Oro

HACI De Oro, Cagayan De Oro City / Email: [email protected] / 0928-5035074

Wheelchair user

5 Melagros Maquiling DAWN, CDO Chapter Email: [email protected] / 0917-7029554

Wheelchair user

6 Redendo Martinez President, Association of Differently-Abled Persons, Inc.

Email: redendo_martinez@yahoo. com / 0922-8757446

Ortho

7 Ms. Esterlita Malemban President, PMAG, Region XI Email: [email protected]

8 Ricardo Biag, Jr. President, Regional Federation of PWD XI


Ortho

9 Erickson D. Sabanal Regional Federation of PWDs Polomolok, South Cotabato / Email: [email protected]

Ortho

10 Teresita Poria Regional Women with Disabilities

North Cotabato / E: [email protected] / 0909-3276279

Ortho




DISABILITY

11 Marietta S. Jandayan NAPC Sectoral Representative, CARAGA Region

c.o DSWD FO Caraga, Butuan City/ Email: [email protected]

Ortho

12 Joselito Buenaflor PDAO Head, Bislig City c/o PDAO Bislig City / Email: [email protected]

Ortho

13 Delfin M. Antallan President, Regional Federation of Organizations of PWDs

c.o City Health Office, Surigao City / Email: [email protected]

VI

14.

Nestor I. Cabigas

President, Maguindanao Province

c.o Upi Municipail Social Welfare and Development Office / Email: 0905-9147883 / 0905-9147883

Ortho

15.

Saturnino Apdal, Jr. President, Tawi Tawi Federation of Organizations of PWDs

c.o Governor’s Office, Tawi-tawi / Email: [email protected]

16

Juliet Dalago President, Butuan Association of the Deaf


HI

17.

Manuel Autida Chairman, ADAP Mulit-Purpose Cooperative, Davao City

[email protected] Ortho

18. Miracille Mary Maquiling

DAWN – CDO Chapter maqulingmiramary@gmail. com

NCDA SECRETARIAT

Over-all Coordinator/ Resource Person

Carmen Reyes- Zubiaga

Acting Executive Director III

Assistant Over-all Coordinator/ Resource Person

Mateo A. Lee, Jr.

Deputy Executive Director III

Secretariat/Facilitators

Dandy C Victa Project Development Officer IV

Flerida V. Labanon Regional Programs Coordinator (RPC)

Evelyn T. Dolencio RPC

Ruth C. Tacujan RPC

Delfina J. Baquir Planning Officer III

Myrla P. Sedenio Project Evaluation Officer III

Leovigilda G. Oasin Administrative Officer V

Lila Lynn S. Simon Information Officer I

Anthony B. Bosi Administrative Aide VI

Rey Andrew V. Sendon Administrative Assistant II

Documentation Staff Florita J. Bisco Planning Officer III

Araceli G. De Leon Information Officer III

Support Staff

Ramon Espejo Drivers Pepito P. Natad

Jimmy P. Dorosan

Alejus S. Cangas

NCDA SECRETARIAT email: [email protected] website: http://www.ncda.gov.ph Telephone Numbers (632) 932-2432; (632) 951-5013; (632) 951-6129

(632) 952-2809; (632) 951-6033; (632) 951-5925



NCDA TEAM ON THE MOVE ….



National Council on Disability Affairs Isidora Street, Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City Telephone Numbers: (632) 9515013; 9326422; 9522809; 9323389; 9516033 Website: http://www.ncda.gov.ph e-mail: [email protected]

http://www.ncda.gov.ph/

mailto:[email protected]

documentation of the national consultation in preparation for the high level meeting on disability...

Health & Medicine