The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) lauds the provision of free rides at the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 to all persons with disabilities (PWD) from July 17-23 in observance of this year’s National Disability Rights Week (NDRW).
DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Tuesday (July 15) the free transportation service was made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), an attached agency of the DSWD.
“The directive of the President is for the government to rally together to safeguard the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, and help provide opportunities for them. In fact, we have the NDRW in line with Proclamation No. 597 signed in June 2024, devoting July 17-23 of every year in celebrating the rights of the sector,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
Under the Proclamation, the DSWD, through the NCDA, is directed to lead, supervise, and coordinate the observance of the NDRW nationwide.
The provision of free services greatly helps the persons with disabilities who regularly travel using public transportation to and from work and school.
“Magandang balita ito at malaking tulong ito para sa mga persons with disabilities lalo na sa mga bumibiyahe. Maliban sa libreng serbisyo, ito din ay isang pagkilala at pagbibigay ng halaga sa pagdiriwang natin ng kanilang karapatan ngayong NDRW,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
According to the NCDA, the free rides will be from 7:00am-9:00am and 5:00pm-7:00pm on July 17-23. The persons with disabilities only need to show their PWD IDs to be able to enjoy the free ride.
The DOTr is also considering a 50 percent fare discounts for the vulnerable sectors including persons with disabilities. (GDVF)