By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

Services geared towards providing solutions to the needs of the masses should have inclusivity and safety among its chief priorities, especially for vulnerable sectors such as persons with disability (PWDs).

This is among the key agendas of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who envisions a public transportation system that is interconnected, efficient, affordable, and accessible to everyone.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has made significant strides in adhering to President Marcos’ directive, on the heels of the agency’s successful trial run of its corporate shuttle service for PWDs.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said of the PWD-friendly electric vehicle (EV) shuttle services, “Mayroon kaming programa kung saan naglalabas tayo ng e-shuttles. These are electric shuttles na binibigyang prayoridad ang ating mga PWD na makasakay papunta sa kanilang mga trabaho.”

He added: “Ang mga e-shuttle na ‘to, bukod sa electronic siya, they are PWD enabled. Ibig sabihin may mga rampa, may mga sapat na espasyo para sa mga wheelchair and may mga CCTV cameras to make sure na safe space siya para sa ating mga people with disability na araw-araw pumapasok sa kanilang mga trabaho.”

Gatchalian said passengers could book a ride by using a mobile app. The e-shuttle services apply regular rates charged by public transport.

As of press time, the e-shuttle services are intended for PWDs employed by private companies. This initiative falls under the DSWD’s .

Moreover, the operators involved in the inner workings of the PWD-ETS pilot project include organized groups of PWDs, enabling them to earn around P30,000 monthly under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Gatchalian said at the Palace press briefing on Tuesday (June 17), “Binigyan ang mga PWD groups ng halos 2 milyon na grants at nag-invest sila sa mga e-shuttle. Sa katunayan, kumikita sila ng halos 30,000 kada buwan at dinidibidendo na ito sa mga miyembro ng kanilang grupo.”

He added, “Not only do they get a livelihood, but they are also now able to provide safe, accessible public transport for their sector.”

The Social Welfare chief also shared further updates on the SLP, citing the operation of 20 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPA) nationwide, each with around 100 members with disabilities.

According to the DSWD, the SLP is a capacity-building initiative designed to help poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households access essential assets and resources to support sustainable livelihoods.

DSWD intensifies anti-bullying strategies with parenting sessions

Apart from making inroads in providing transport services for PWDs, Secretary Gatchalian also shared the agency’s revamped efforts to address bullying, promote child mental health, and create safer environments for children.

The DSWD was designated by President Marcos as the agency to lead in looking after the welfare of children affected by bullying, on and off the web.

Gatchalian said, “Kami ‘yung lead agency na naatasan na humubog ng parent effectiveness sessions kasi it all starts at home. Alam natin na ‘yong pagpapalaki ng mga bata, dapat aktibo ang ating mga magulang.”

He added, “Sa mata namin, ang kabataan ay isang bulnerableng sector. Iyong ang bully, bagama’t siya iyong aggressor, mayroon din tayo dapat na intervention sa kanya, mayroon tayo dapat psychosocial intervention.”

The Social Welfare chief also shared that as of press time, the agency is in the process of developing sessions under its Parenting Effectiveness Service (PES) program in collaboration with child and family psychologists.

Through practical sessions and workshops, the DSWD aims to guide parents and guardians on anti-bullying and other topics such as teenage pregnancy, child nutrition, and values education.

A standardized framework and modules for the nationwide implementation of the PES program among local government units (LGUs) will also be provided by the social welfare agency.

The anti-bullying campaign is being carried out in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), which is in charge of deploying guidance counselors or guidance advisers, and in some cases, licensed psychologists, to provide direct support to students.

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