PWD Employment Facilitation Office Act of 2010

By: Tiffany Tan, ASP Board Secretary

Senator Lito Lapid filed Senate Bill 980 or "Persons With Disabilities’ (PWDs) Employment Facilitation Office Act of 2010," during the first regular session of the 15th Congress. The bill aims to institutionalize a national employment facilitation service network for PWDs through the establishment of PWD Employment Facilitation Office in every province, key city and other strategic areas throughout the country.

The senator previously filed two bills on autism, Senate Bill 3084 or the Asperger’s Syndrome Research and Development Act of 2009 and Senate Bill 845 or the Comprehensive Autism Intervention Act of 2007. He is also the author of Free Legal Assistance Act of 2010 or Republic Act 9999.

Senate Bill 980 aims to link the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for coordination and technical supervision and to ensure the prompt appropriate and timely employment facilitation service of PWDs.

Included in the bill are provisions for access to various livelihood and self-employment programs offered by both government and NGOs through training/seminars for PWDs as well as those PWDs who would like to enhance their employability. The budget shall be included in DOLE and the general appropriations act.

The bills also aim for the collaboration of government agencies like the Department of Health (DOH), DOLE and NCDA (National Council for Disability Affairs) to conduct an annual nationwide disability prevalence survey in order to determine the prevalence, distribution and status of rehabilitation and rehabilitation needs of PWDs in the country.

The bill has its first reading last August 18 and was referred to the committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development; Local Government and Finance.

The bill has its first reading last August 18 and was referred to the committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development; Local Government and Finance. Click here for a comprehensive copy.

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