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DSWD, QC gov’t, GK to develop 130 housing units for PWDs

MANILA, March 1 (PNA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Quezon City government and Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundation on the planned construction of 130 two-storey housing units for QC residents who are differently abled.

According to a DSWD news release, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo signed for her department and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista for the city government. The signing was witnessed by Congressman Jorge Banal Jr., officers of the Pamayanan ng May Kapansanan (PMK) and representatives of GK.

Under the agreement, the Quezon City government will oversee the land development, while GK will take charge of the housing component. The DSWD meanwhile will ensure the implementation of guidelines on the selection and awarding of the home lots.

The Beneficiary Selection Committee, to be headed by the DSWD, will select the persons with disabilities (PWDs) who will benefit from the project.

The housing project will be constructed at the DSWD’s National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC) compound in Barangay Escopa III. The 5,083-sq. meter project site will be built in conformity with Batas Pambansa 220, which promotes the development of economic and socialized housing projects for average- and low-income earners in urban and rural areas.

The DSWD will be also be responsible for defending the title of the property against any administrative or legal claim, suit, or proceeding.

Taguiwalo lauded the project and expressed hope that other local governments would follow suit and implement projects that would benefit PWDs and give them better access to social services, such as housing and health care.

The 2010 Census of Population and Housing has estimated that 1.4 million persons in the country have some form of disability.

“Providing them with free or socialized housing is a very important service and will significantly ease their financial burdens, which are myriad because they need to spend so much on medicine, health services, as well as special equipment,” Taguiwalo said.

She also appealed to all local governments to help enforce Republic Act No. 10754, or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.

"We hope that all business establishments covered by the law would implement the law and give what is due to PWDs,” Taguiwalo said. (PNA)

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