In a situationer report, the Social Technology Bureau (STB) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) stated that in 2010, 1.44 million persons or 1.57% of the Philippine population had disability. Meanwhile, the Listahanan database showed that in 2017, one in 100 poor individuals had a disability.
Despite these findings, however, the STB found that persons with disabilities (PWDs) had limited inclusion to social programs of the government, with limited access to basic and local health services. Hence, the bureau, as part of the DSWD, came up with several projects, one of which is the CARe-ABLE project.
What is CARe-ABLE Project?
The Community Action and Resources for Accessible and Better Living Environment (CARe-ABLE) project is a community-based intervention that enables PWDs to access available programs, services, and resources in the community. It seeks to provide them with holistic interventions, as well as enable greater access to resources from government and non-government sectors.
Among the project’s legal bases are: the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability; Republic Act 7277 of 1991 (a.k.a. Magna Carta for Disabled Persons); and Republic Act 10070, which establishes institutional mechanisms ensuring the implementation of programs and services for PWDs.
Notably, the project is also based on Proclamation No. 688, which declared 2013-2022 as the Philippine Decade of “Make the Rights Real for PWDs,” which goes in line with the Incheon Strategy to “Make the Rights Real” for PWDs in Asia and the Pacific.
The CARe-ABLE project is implemented through the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO), in coordination with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO).
Objectives of the Project
As mentioned earlier, the CARe-ABLE project generally seeks to provide holistic interventions to PWDs, while also enabling greater access to government as well as non-government resources.
Specifically, the project aims to achieve the following:
- Increase the access of PWDs to social protection programs;
- Improve capacities of PWDs for self-care and economic productivity;
- Strengthen the city, municipal, and barangay mechanisms in providing programs and services for PWDs;
- Capacitate caregivers, service providers, and communities towards appropriate care and support for PWDs; and
- Advocate the rights of PWDs among PWDs themselves, their families, and communities.
Target Beneficiaries
The target beneficiaries of the CARe-ABLE project are indigent persons with disability (PWDs) and their families.
Components of the Project
The CARe-ABLE project is comprised of several components, as follows:
1. Establishment of Barangay Helpdesks
The Barangay Helpdesk is a venue within the community that facilitates good communication among Local Government Units (LGUs), thus enabling faster and better delivery of services.
2. Support Services
This component ensures greater access for PWDs and their families when it comes to getting services such as: health, medical care, nutrition, psychosocial services, education, livelihood, socio-cultural and social enhancement programs, and more.
3. Capability Building
This involves the provision of capability building and skills training to develop PWD’s self-esteem, address personal barriers, and improve their life perspectives.
4. Strengthening Local Mechanisms
This involves the establishment of linkages to public institutions, transport sector, business sector, and other government and non-government institutions who can provide support and a caring environment to PWDs.
5. Organization of Community Volunteers
This component refers to organizing and capacitating caregivers and other volunteers in providing proper care to PWDs and their families.
Pilot Areas
Initially, the CARe-ABLE project was carried out in these pilot areas: Ligao City, Albay (Region V), and Zamboanga City (Region IX).
After the pilot implementation, the project had accomplished several milestones, including:
- Reaching out to 598 PWDs in the pilot areas;
- Establishment of 10 PWD Community Desks at the barangay level, providing PWDs in far-flung pilot areas with greater access to programs and services;
- Beneficiaries are now more aware of their rights and privileges as PWDs; and
- Business and transport sectors in the pilot areas are now more knowledgeable on laws concerning PWDs.
Video: News on Expanded Discount for Senior Citizens and PWDs
Recently, there have been reports about “expanded” discounts for Philippine senior citizens and PWDs. In the following video shared by News5Everywhere on YouTube, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles talks about the P125 weekly expanded discount for basic needs and commodities:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions — and answers — about the CARe-ABLE project:
1. What is the CARe-ABLE project?
“CARe-ABLE” stands for “Community Action and Resources for Accessible and Better Living Environment,” a community-based project that enables PWDs to access programs, services, and resources in their respective communities.
2. What are its objectives?
Generally, the project seeks to provide PWDs with holistic interventions, while also enabling greater access to the resources of government as well as non-government sectors.
3. Who are the target beneficiaries?
The target beneficiaries of the project are indigent PWDs and their families.
4. What are its components?
The components of the project include: establishment of barangay helpdesks; support services; capability building; strengthening local mechanisms; and organization of community volunteers.
5. How can I learn more about it?
To learn more about the project, please visit the nearest DSWD Office in your area.
Contact Information: Social Technology Bureau
For those who are based in the National Capital Region (NCR), you can get in touch with the Social Technology Bureau (STB) at the DSWD Central Office for questions and inquiries about the CARe-ABLE project. Located in Quezon City, the bureau’s office hours are between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Address: Social Technology Bureau, 3rd Floor, Matapat Building, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Central Office, IBP Road, Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City
Telephone: +632 8951 7124 / 8951 2802 / 8931 8144
Email: soctech@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://stb.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Infographic About Project
Meanwhile, here is an infographic featuring an overview of the CARe-ABLE project:
Final Thoughts
Just like anybody else, persons with disabilities (PWDs) have rights, and they should be entitled to certain privileges. Thanks to the CARe-ABLE project, indigent PWDs — including those who are residing in remote areas — can be assured of access to the government’s programs and services.
Speaking of rights, what exactly are Filipino PWDs entitled to? Please visit this link to see a list of their rights and privileges!