Dizon wants free movies for PWDs

CEBU, Philippines — Councilor Alvin Dizon wants persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Cebu City to be allowed to watch movies for free like the senior citizens here.

In a proposal, Dizon wants to amend and rename City Ordinance 2466 to “The Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities Free Movie Access to All Theaters Ordinance of Cebu City.”

At present, the ordinance is called “The Senior Citizens Free Movie Access to all Theaters Ordinance of the City of Cebu and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof.”

The ordinance allows senior citizens registered in the city to watch movies at moive houses for free during weekdays except on the first day of showing, on holidays, and weekends.

Dizon said both senior citizens and PWDs are important members of society who do not only need support and protection, but also privilege and benefits that would help improve their everyday lives.

Citing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, the Department of Health said PWDs are those “those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

DOH said the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) refers to disability as “an umbrella term covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.

An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations”.

At least 9,986 PWDs are registered in Cebu City.

According to DOH, over 1 billion people, or approximately 15 percent of the world’s population, have some form of disability. About 110 to 190 million people 15 years and older have significant difficulties in functioning with 80 percent living in low-income countries wherein majority of residents are poor and do not have access to basic services.

The rapid spread of chronic diseases and population ageing reportedly contribute to the increasing rates of disability, DOH said further.

Dizon said it is the priority of government to provide additional benefits and privileges on top of those provided by existing national laws and so with partnerships with the private sectors, more concerns and needs can be addressed.

Cebu City has implemented laws to promote and protect the rights of senior citizens and PWDs and has put in place policies and programs that recognize their contribution to society.

The City Council is set to tackle Dizon’s proposal during its regular session this week. (FREEMAN)