AUG 3, 2015

NR # 3915B

All persons with disabilities must be included in the CCT program

To hasten efforts to free the people from poverty, a lawmaker insists that all registered
persons with disabilities (PWDs) be automatically included in the government's conditional cash
transfer (CCT) program.
The families of persons with disabilities, as well as those with intellectual or learning
disabilities need additional financial assistance to provide for their special needs such as
medicines, therapy, rehabilitation and special education, BUHAY Party-list Rep. Jose L.
Atienza, Jr. stressed.
This is the wisdom behind House Resolution 2172 which Rep. Atienza filed, seeking the
strong support of his colleagues in the House of Representatives for it to adopt, even as Congress
is faced with time-consuming debates on major priorities that include the proposed 2016 national
budget, the Bangsamoro Basic Law, and other equally vital pieces of legislation.
HR 2172 is entitled: Resolution urging the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) to automatically include all registered persons with disabilities (PWDs),
as well as children with intellectual or learning disabilities, in the Governments Conditional
Cash Transfer (CCT) program.
The State, through the DSWD has been implementing a CCT program aimed at providing
financial assistance to poor families, Atienza acknowledged.
Atienza cited Section 9 of the Constitution which states that: The State shall promote a
dynamic social order that will ensure prosperity and independence of the nation and free the
people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full
employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life.
In consonance to said mandate, Atienza also cited Section 2A of R.A. 7277 or the Magna
Carta for Disabled Persons which states that Disabled persons are part of Philippine society,
thus the State shall give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of disabled
persons and their integration into the mainstream of society.
Furthermore, it states that toward this end, the State shall adopt policies ensuring the
rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance of disabled persons. It shall develop their skills
and potentials to enable them to compete favorably for available opportunities.
There are thousands of Filipino children who have physical and/or intellectual or learning
disabilities and whose families are struggling to provide for their needs, Atienza pointed out.
HR 2172 has been referred to the Committee on Social Services for appropriate
consideration and action. (30) dpt