CSWDO BARES ASSISTANCE TO PWDS, PWUDS, AND MENDICANTS

BAGUIO CITY – (30 June 2021) – The city social welfare and development office (CSWDO) under Betty Fangasan has facilitated the establishment and strengthening of persons with disabilities (PWD) organizations in the Summer Capital’s barangays from January 1 to June 15 this year.

This was reported by CSWDO deputy chief Liza Bulayungan during City Hall flag-raising rites, June 21, led by Rep. Mark Go, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice-Mayor Faustino Olowan.

She said PWD sensitivity trainings including self and social enhancement seminars were among the activities provided the sector during the period.

As to the availing of PWD discount IDs, Bulayungan said assessed clients were referred to the City Mayor’s Office’s (CMO) persons with disabilities affairs office under Sam Aquino for their issuance.

Meanwhile, the CSWDO continues to work with partner agencies in the implementation of the integrated participatory community building program (IPCB) for persons who used drugs or PWUDs.

She said life skill lessons and other similar activities were offered the PWUDs for their eventual rehabilitation at local family life resource centers (FLRCs) in partnership with faith-based groups.

Also, regular anti-mendicancy task force operations were undertaken by the CSWDO during the period in partnership with the Baguio City Police Office and the CMO’s public order and safety division, Bulayungan said.

“Mendicants are still visible in some of the city’s streets begging and putting themselves at risk of the coronavirus disease 2019 aside from violating the anti-mendicancy law,” she said.

Bulayungan said the mendicants were provided with task-oriented counseling, family food packs, and other social welfare services.-Gaby B. Keith