𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗩𝗨𝗟𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬. Frontline personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 were oriented today on proper handling of clients with disabilities and other vulnerable sectors of society through a hybrid orientation held at the Narra Hall, DENR Regional Office, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City.

Security guards, officers of the day, and other frontline employees learned the different laws related to disability, proper ways to assist persons with disability (PWD), pregnant, and senior citizens, and requirements for accessibility that must be present in office premises.

“We aim to provide excellent and efficient service to our clients, especially to the vulnerable ones which are our priority, and ensure that these clients received proper handling in accord to what the law requires,” said Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Ismael Manaligod.

Resource Speaker Amalia Decena, Regional PWD Sectoral Council Representative of the National Anti-Poverty Commission discussed the principles and legal bases of empowering PWDs and demonstrated to participants proper way of handling them.

“You need to know our rights to also know how to facilitate the delivery of service to clients like us,” said Decena who herself is a PWD for being visually impaired.

Decena shared the principles of Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for PWDs to include provision of equal rights, access to services, and benefits and privileges.

Decena also emphasized on giving respect to PWDs seeing not their disability but their ability to contribute development for themselves, at workplaces and in society they live in.

“As frontliners, you should know how to properly assist vulnerable clients by exercising sensitivity,” added Decena.

Sensitivity includes using acceptable alternative words in addressing the vulnerable sector to avoid disrespect or discrimination as explained by Decena.

In support of the thrusts of NAPC in helping PWDs, the region turned over two wheelchairs to Decena during the closing program.#