A walker in Philippines is not a usual sight. Oftentimes, we see foreign movies featuring mobility tools especially when they have elderly characters. However, in the Philippines, we don’t see mobility devices for the elderly in both media and in real life. People with disabilities (PWD) struggle in the Philippines.
Life of a Filipino PWD
Most of the time, we only see people with disabilities highlighted Pinoy telenovelas, movies, and stories. Even then, they are sparse as most Pinoy actors are often able-bodied individuals. If a PWD is on screen, it is usually just to move the plot. Almost always, the PWD ends up dying for the sake of the plot.
Navigating a wheelchair in Philippines is especially difficult. Old public works, roads, and highways are usually not PWD friendly. Only in the recent decade is the Philippines working actively in providing safe access to buildings.
guests visit, the PWD are often ushered into their rooms. Someone who has disabilities are often seen as excess baggage in the family and are generally not given any chance to prove themselves as capable beings. Someone using a walker in Philippines is already assumed to be a liability instead of a working individual.
So, why is a family-oriented country reluctant to portray PWDs? Maybe it has to do with the Filipino pride. Most Filipinos will try to hide any imperfections in a family.
A Change of Pace of the Handicapable
With the help of social media, Filipinos are now exposed to ideas and culture from other countries. Pinoys are now demanding proper implementation of the rights and benefits of PWDs. The following changes can now be seen all over the Philippines.
- Social Media Awareness
A portable wheelchair in Philippines is now visible in the country. Oftentimes, you’ll see a post on social media where someone is in a wheelchair and talking about a car blocking a PWD ramp. This might be negative for some but calling out people who block the access ramps is important to push for the rights of handicapable people.
- Filipino Laws on PWDs
There are now laws passed that protect the rights of PWDs. While implementation is still optional for most LGUs, at least PWDs know what laws they can use to claim their benefits and enforce their rights.
- RA 7277 – An Act Providing For The Rehabilitation, Self-Development, And Self-Reliance Of Disabled Person And Their Integration Into The Mainstream Of Society And For Other Purposes.
- RA 10754 – An Act Expanding The Benefits And Privileges Of Persons With Disability (PWD).
- RA 10070 – An Act Establishing Mechanism To Ensure The Implementation of Programs and Services for the Persons with Disabilities in Every Province, City, And Municipality, Amending Republic Act No. 7277, Otherwise Known As The “Magna Carta For Disabled Persons”, As Amended And For Other Purposes.
- Acceptance in the Workplace
Most LGUs and national agencies now hire PWDs. You’ll find someone on a reclining wheelchair in Philippines that will work in some official capacity such as desk jobs and information kiosks. They can now earn for themselves and free up government resources for people who are bedridden with terminal illnesses.
Why Mobility is Important
Some don’t think much about their capability to move from their bed to the bathroom. A small effort on normal people can be gargantuan on PWDs. What more their trek to the kitchen, the living room, or even the outside world? Mobility devices are very important and it’s time that Filipinos start thinking of it too. Unaided, our PWDs might hurt themselves more. Philippine Medical Supplies knows this, which is why they provide quality and safe mobility devices at an affordable price. Visit the Philippine Medical Supplies website and find the right wheelchair or walker for your loved one.
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