III. Participation in Socio-Economic and Human Rights Affairs
In 1998, incorporating the aim to ensure participation of persons with disabilities in social and economic reforms, the Republic Act 8425 (The Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act better known as the NAPC or National Anti Poverty Commission Law)23 was enacted. In addition to the institutionalization of an anti poverty coordinating body of all government agencies, from the national, regional and local units, fourteen (14) identified marginalized sectors were provided with the authority to organize Sectoral Councils, including Persons with Disabilities. These Sectoral Councils could engage with both government and non government sectors in addressing socio-economic development goals.
- Note #23
- National Anti-Poverty Commission
- Return
In 1999, the first 25-member Sectoral Council of Persons with Disabilities was organized. Its structure ensures that all disability groups are represented at the national level. To ensure geographic representations, all 17 political divisions called regions are given the opportunity to elect their regional representatives in the Council.
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)24 provides a three-year term for the Council and its members which must be elected through regional assemblies conducted by the sector with the participation of both NAPC and NCWDP.
Each member of the Sectoral Council is tasked to focus on the development agenda, particularly the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Administrative Order 3325 also addresses working with relevant government agencies up to the cabinet levels in addressing certain issues and concerns. Furthermore, each of the Councils is provided full autonomy from political intervention in the formulation of structures, internal rules and policies, programs, projects and activities in the performance of its mandates.
- Note #25
- National Anti-Poverty Commission
- Return
The Sectoral Council of Persons with Disabilities was directly involved in the formulation of the Philippine positions in the United Nations Ad-Hoc Committee which brought forth the CRPD Leaders of the Sectoral Council were designated to serve as Advisers to the Philippine Delegations that participated in the eight (8) International Conferences at the United Nations in New York.
In the national activities, members of the Council became representatives to various Councils, Committees and Bodies from the national to the regional, provincial and city local government units on anti poverty discussions and formulations of policies, ordinances etc. In the efforts to institutionalize full participation of persons with disabilities in all community affairs down to the grassroots levels, the Council members focused a large portion of its energy on the creation of an Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPDA) in every municipality, city and province. To date however, the efforts have only achieved modest success.