ORDINANCE NO: 2002-213 "AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR VIGOROUS MEASURES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7277 FOR THE PROMOTION OF GENERAL WELFARE, DEVELOPMENT AND REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY IN THE CITY OF PAGADIAN AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF" WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State the grant of the rights and privileges for persons with disabilities which shall be guided by the following principles: Disabled persons are part of the Philippine society, thus the state shall give full support to the improvement of the total well being of persons with disability and their integration into the mainstream of society; Disabled persons have the same rights as other people to take their proper place in society; The rehabilitation of the disabled shall be the concern of the government in order to foster their capacity to attain a more meaningful, productive and satisfying life. To reach out to a greater number of disabled persons, the rehabilitation services and benefits shall be expanded beyond the traditional urban-based center to community based programs, that will ensure full participation of different sectors as supported by national and local government agencies; The State also recognizes the role of the private sector in promoting the welfare of the disabled persons and shall encourage partnership in programs that address their needs and concerns; To facilitate integration of disabled persons into the mainstream of society, the State shall advocate for and encourage respect for disabled persons. The State shall exert all efforts to remove all social, cultural, economic environmental and attitudinal barriers that are prejudicial to disabled persons. WHEREAS, the City of Pagadian has a reasonable number of persons with disability ranging from small children to adult and had already organized themselves into the Pagadian City Federation of Disabled Persons under the umbrella of the Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons; WHEREAS, the City Government of Pagadian also recognizes these principles and is committed and determined to help promote the general welfare, development and rehabilitation of persons with disability; WHEREAS, in view hereof, there is a need to adopt a measure for the city to properly implement the mandate of Republic Act No. 7277 and at the same time provide the basic guidelines and scope of the LGU's role in the promotion of the general welfare of disabled person and providing funds thereof; Now, Therefore, Be it Ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Pagadian City in session assembled, that: Section 1. Definition of Terms. The terms and its definition as provided for in Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7277 shall apply to this ordinance; Section 2. Coverage. The scope of coverage as provided under Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7277 shall apply to this ordinance. Section 3. Access to Quality Education. The City Government of Pagadian shall ensure that disabled persons are provided with adequate access to quality education and opportunities to develop their skills. It is mandated that it shall continue to provide support to the programs for Special Education for the Disabled under the Department of Education and other projects initiated by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) for the welfare and educational development of children with physical and/or mental disability by providing appropriate funds for its operation, transport and classrooms facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of special children with disability, however, shall be limited within the city government's financial capability. Section 4. Vocational Rehabilitation. Consistent with the principle of equal opportunity for the disabled workers, the City Government of Pagadian shall provide vocational rehabilitation center for the disabled that shall serve as a training center to develop their skills and potentials that would enable them to compete favorably for available production and remunerative employment opportunities in the labor market in order for them to become self-reliant. The City Government shall provide funds for the construction and establishment of a vocational center shop with machineries and equipment facilities for the disabled persons to learn their skills and also provide shelter for the disabled trainees. It shall also provide an area for communal vegetable and livestock production in order to be self-sufficient while undergoing training and rehabilitation programs. Section 5. The City Government through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is also mandated to establish linkages and tap other government agencies and instrumentalities, NGOs and other funding institution both domestic and foreign with similar undertakings to support this program for the disabled. Section 6. Appropriation. The Local Chief Executive is mandated to include a continuing budget and appropriation for this purpose in the city annual budget starting the fiscal year 2003 and every year thereafter. Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Chief Executive and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) are mandated to implement this program and shall promulgate the rules and regulation necessary for the effective implementation of this ordinance. Section 8. Effectivity. This ordinance shall take effect immediately thirty (30) days upon its approval. ENACTED AND APPROVED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (7th City Council) of Pagadian City by virtue of Resolution No. 2002-1223 which was adopted during its 55th Regular Session held on October 2, 2002 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall.