Pederasyon ng May Kapansanan ng La Union Empowered

By: Zenaida D. Sellem

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With the aim of empowering and helping create real opportunities for people with disabilities, the members of the Pederasyon ng May Kapansanan ng La Union (PMKLU) convened for their monthly meeting at the La Union Technology and Livelihood Development Center, City of San Fernando, La Union on July 9, 2019.

One of the agenda of the meeting was the planning for the celebration of National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week on the third week of July as per Presidential Proclamation No. 361 s. 2000.

Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Agoo, La Union Satellite Chief Aileen Peteros, a Person with Disability (PWD) herself, joined the meeting and laid out the Department of Transportation and Communication and LTO’s plan of activities. This is to ensure that the said activities will tie-up with the activities of PMKLU in enjoining members for the posting of PWD stickers to all buses, bus terminals and at the three LTO satellite offices in La Union located in the City of San Fernando, Agoo and Naguilian.

The activity aims to raise awareness of the public of problems on disability, and to encourage every citizen in taking active responsibility to address these issues. Also, it aims to raise awareness of citizens about reserved front seats for PWDs for better access in boarding buses.

To further empower the PMKLU members, DOST Research Specialist II Engr. Edison M. Acosta presented and discussed about Mushroom Culture and Propagation. This is for the PWDs to participate as active citizens contributing to the betterment of society and the development of the economy. It also raised public awareness of existing barriers that prevent citizens with disabilities from full and equal participation in all aspects of the community and advancements towards full inclusion.

Activities for Disability Awareness Week are coordinated at the provincial level by the PMKLU through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office down to the Local Government Units.