By PR | 09:51 AM May 03, 2024
Services to persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens remains one of the priority programs of Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado.
The Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) continues to provide enhanced and inclusive service delivery to the two vulnerable sectors.
After the weekly flag-raising ceremony on April 29 at the Capitol Grounds, assistant department head Rhea Damalerio, shared the accomplishments of the OPSWD for services delivered to both sectors.
A budget of P2 million was allocated to cater to 262 PWDs this year, specifically for assistive devices such as wheelchairs for adults and children, crutches, walkers, among others.
She said there are currently 23,849 PWDs in the province, 13,363 males and 10,486 females.
The office also has a Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center which offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program for children or children with disabilities ages 0 to 14 years old.
It offers free physical therapy, occupational therapy, special education, behavioral modification, social enhancement activities, and parent training programs to emphasize the involvement and participation of parents and families of children with disabilities throughout the rehabilitation.
As of the first quarter of this year, there were 747 sessions conducted for 90 children with disabilities, along with programs on disability sensitivity awareness and support for PWD organizations.
Meanwhile, 58,877 Boholano senior citizens are eligible for the Revised Bohol Centenarian Provincial Ordinance 2022-003, which honors those who live up to 100 years old.
Since 2021, 139 centenarians have already enjoyed the benefits and were recognized, with 32 males and 107 females.
However, only 63 elderlies are still alive.
At present, the oldest living centenarian recorded at age 106 is from the town of Antequera.
Through the provincial ordinance, centenarians receive P100,000, a resolution of felicitations from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite and a plaque of recognition.
Aside from the provincial ordinance, certain municipalities also offer the same scheme from the Philippine national government under the Centenarians Act of 2016, giving the beneficiary a chance to receive a maximum of P300,000 in cash incentives.
With these efforts, the Department of Social Welfare and Development gave recognition to the province of Bohol for its active service during its 73rd anniversary.
The provincial office was awarded for the approval of the Regional Development Council’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 and the provision for warehouse stockpiling of food and non-food items in Tagbilaran City.
The OPSWD continues to support each town’s organization in the vulnerable sector through various programs and the annual celebration of the Senior Citizens Congress, currently manned with two permanent employees, six contractual employees, two job orders, and one technical staff to satellite in Ubay to accommodate 27 families living with PWDs. (PiMO/JSS)
