The Cebu Provincial Board has approved on third and final reading an ordinance creating the Capitol’s Persons with Disability Affairs Division (PDAD), a dedicated office tasked with advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the province.

The ordinance authored by Third District Board Member Dason Lorenz Lagon, chair of the Committee on Differently Abled Persons, "seeks to uphold the dignity and welfare of PWDs, ensure their full participation and equal opportunity in community life, and establish a strong institutional structure to implement disability-related laws."

According to the Cebu Provincial Information Office (PIO), the measure also guarantees adequate funding, staffing, facilities, and oversight for PWD programs, aligning with Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s vision of inclusivity and her commitment that “no Sugboanon PWD will be left behind.” 

"Under the ordinance, PDAD will operate under the supervision and control of the Office of the Governor, in coordination with the chairperson of the Provincial Board’s Committee on Differently Abled Persons," Capitol PIO added.

"Its functions include crafting and implementing policies and programs for PWDs, representing the sector in development councils, engaging NGOs and people’s organizations, maintaining a provincial PWD database, and disseminating information on services and opportunities."

In addition, PDAD is also "mandated to submit regular reports to the governor and the committee, advocate for program funding, monitor fundraising efforts, and seek donations in line with approved work plans."

With the approval of the ordinance, Cebu Province takes a "major step toward strengthening its institutional mechanisms for disability inclusion and ensuring that PWDs receive comprehensive support from the provincial government."

(Courtesy: Cebu Province/Capitol PIO)