By Christine Cudis/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — All government offices, especially those providing frontline services, are required to provide express lanes for persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said on Wednesday.
During the press briefing, CSC chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala made the remark as the nation observed the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week from 17 to 23 July 2019.
CSC Memorandum Circular No. 20, s. 2017, signed by dela Rosa-Bala, orders all government agencies to “provide express lanes for PWDs or in the absence thereof, priority shall be given to PWDs in all the transactions therein.”
The circular is based on the provisions of Republic Act No. 10754, or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, and its implementing rules and regulations.
PWD-friendly exam administration
“The CSC has also made the Career Service Examination (CSE) more accessible to PWDs, as well as the elderly and pregnant women, as part of measures to promote equal employment opportunity in government,” the CSC chief said in a media interview.
Under CSC Resolution No. 1701159 issued 31 July 2017 and circularized through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 31, s. 2017 dated 6 October 2017, partially and totally blind examinees can take the examination using either the dictation or the Braille system, with the help of a suitable room examiner and proctor. Those with low vision will be assigned test materials with increased font size.
The deaf or hard of hearing will be guided by a room examiner and proctor with knowledge on sign language or by certified sign language interpreters.
The CSC said PWDs, pregnant women, and senior citizens examinees would be assigned to take the examination in a room located on the ground floor of the testing building for ease of movement.
The time limit for the examination shall be extended for one hour for the visually-impaired and the deaf or hard of hearing, thus, four hours and 10 minutes for the CSE Pen and Paper Test Professional Level, and three hours and 40 minutes for the Subprofessional Level.
However, the CSC noted that the time limit for other PWD examinees with both apparent and non-apparent disability, pregnant women. senior citizens. and the rest of individuals classified as regular examinees will remain at three hours and 10 minutes for the Professional Level, and two hours and 40 minutes for the Subprofessional Level.
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