GoDAP AWARDS IDs TO VILLA PAZ MEMBERS

The Gerona Office for the Differently-Abled Person (GoDAP) awarded the first batch of identification cards to its 22 members on October 23 at Barangay Villa Paz, Gerona, Tarlac.

The awarding was initiated by Mayor Dennis Go, Barangay Chairman Jimmy Yadao, GoDAP Coordinator Joel San Pascual, and local Municipal Social Welfare and Development.

The awarding and distribution of IDs was the initial step of the 3-month old GoDAP for persons will disability to avail discounts and other benefits.

Under RA 9442, an act which amended RA 7277 otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons,” persons with disabilities could avail 20% discount on transportation, medicines, purchase of commodities, food, entertainment and recreational/cultural services.

Persons with disabilities can be given discounts if they are certified Person’s With Disability (PWD) and have identification cards or booklets from National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) or from its local office.

The GoDAP, which was created through an Executive Order by Mayor Dennis Norman Go, has listed more than 400 members in all 44 barangays. Gerona is the only municipality in Tarlac with an office for people with disabilities.

According to the Programs and Management Division of NCDA, (as of October 7, 2008), Gerona and Tarlac City are two of the six municipalities or cities in Region III that have issued PWD IDs.

Olongapo City, San Fernando City, Palayan City, and Bulacan (almost all municipalities) are the other municipalities and cities that have issued PWD ids and programs for disabled persons.

Joel San Pascual, GoDAP Coordinator, said it was the start and initial step on the part of disable people of Gerona to receive benefits from establishments and other agencies.

“Pagkatapos ng pagbibigay ng ID sa Villa Paz, magsisimula na kami na mag-issue ng IDs sa opisina ng GoDAP sa more or less 400 members.”

“Pero higit sa pagbibigay ng ID ay kapanatagan naming mga people with disabilities na ma-enjoy sa ilalim ng batas ang mga karapatan at benepisyo na para sa amin,” San Pascual said.