DSWD to MTRCB: Screen shows disrespecting disabled

MANILA, Philippines - Disturbed over shows showing disrespect to persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday asked the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to screen such programs. DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral said the move stemmed from a letter from Manuel Batac, president of the Kilusan ng Makabagong Pilipinong Maykapansanan, Inc. (KMPKI). "(Batac) could not understand why supposedly civilized people such as producers, directors, and writers continue to create television programs that exploit and make fun of persons with disabilities," Cabral said in a statement. She urged the MTRCB to "take immediate action against verbal and non-verbal forms of ridicule and vilification against persons with disabilities in movies and television programs." Batac first wrote his letter to MTRCB chairwoman Ma. Consoliza Laguardia. "The DSWD strongly supports the position of KMPKI that television and movie scenes making fun of the disabled such as by imitating a deaf, blind or crippled person for entertainment is not only a shameful act that degrades persons with disabilities but ultimately corrupts the Filipino values of respect towards our fellow citizens," Cabral said. She added that as the main government agency mandated to protect the vulnerable sectors of society, which include persons with disabilities or PWDs, the DSWD should ask the MTRCB "to exert every effort to ensure that the media protect rather than exploit these PWDs." Cabral noted the DSWD protects and promotes the welfare of PWDs through its community-based and center-based programs and services which are designed to make them productive members of society. These include livelihood and vocational skills training, job placement and community participation. At the Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop (RSW) and National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC), which are maintained and operated for the PWDs, they are conditioned and are trained to become productive members of society. Scientific Massage, Handicraft, Tailoring/Dressmaking, Watch Repair, Computer Repair, Canteen Management, and Daily Living Skills are only some of the courses available for PWDs. DSWD likewise assists the PWDs in finding jobs suited to their skills, interests and qualifications. These include open employment, self employment or sheltered employment. - GMANews.TV