Bacolod City Council Approves Landmark PWD Social Pension Reform Ordinance
The Bacolod City Council has officially approved the Persons with Disability (PWD) Social Pension Reform Ordinance of Bacolod City on its third and final reading. This significant legislative measure aims to enhance and broaden the City's Social Pension Program specifically designed for persons with disabilities.
Expanding Definitions and Eligibility Criteria
Councilor Caesar Distrito, who chairs the City Council committee on PWD Affairs, emphasized that the ordinance will substantially strengthen and expand the existing social pension framework. The reform amends Sections 3 and 4 of City Ordinance 1010, Series of 2022, originally authored by Councilor Celia Flor, to provide a more inclusive definition of persons with disabilities and clearly outline expanded qualifications for pension eligibility.
The ordinance now explicitly includes a wider range of disabilities, such as orthopedic, visual, hearing, chronic illness, deaf-mute conditions, and psychosocial disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, and epilepsy. This comprehensive approach ensures that various disability types are formally recognized and supported under the city's welfare programs.
Detailed Qualification Requirements
Under the newly amended provisions, a qualified PWD must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the social pension. The individual must be a registered voter in Bacolod City. For those who are not yet of voting age or are physically unable to register, they must have been a resident of Bacolod City for at least one year.
The ordinance also outlines several circumstances that qualify a person for support, including being bedridden, suffering from severe health conditions such as cancer or other terminal illnesses, being unemployed with two or more dependents, or living alone or with another PWD or senior citizen.
Additional qualifying conditions include children with developmental disabilities like autism or Down syndrome, persons with epilepsy or other chronic psychosocial disabilities, individuals with visual impairment (blind in both eyes), and persons with severe physical impairments such as amputation of both legs, both hands, or similar orthopedic conditions.
Income Threshold and Economic Prioritization
A critical component of the reform is the establishment of a clear income threshold. The annual gross income of the PWD must not exceed P180,000 to qualify for the social pension. If the PWD is a dependent or has no independent income, the combined annual gross income of the parents, guardian, or primary caregiver must also not exceed this same amount.
Councilor Distrito highlighted that this income cap is designed to prioritize social pension support for the most economically vulnerable persons with disabilities. By implementing this financial limit, the city ensures that its limited resources are directed toward those who are most in need of assistance.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Support
"This reform strengthens our commitment to genuine inclusivity," Distrito stated. "By refining the definition and expanding the qualifications, we ensure that more vulnerable persons with disabilities, especially those facing severe medical, economic, and social challenges, can access the assistance provided by the City Government."
The passage of this ordinance marks a progressive step in Bacolod City's efforts to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all residents, particularly those with disabilities who require additional social and financial support.
