The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan headed by Vice Governor Cris Garcia has recently passed two ordinances that aim to provide benefits to senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and World War II veterans.
These ordinances were approved by Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III and are expected to significantly improve the lives of these individuals.
The first ordinance focuses on integrating senior citizens and PWDs into the workforce by providing capacity-building programs and incentives for employers who hire them. Under this ordinance, private businesses and government agencies are prohibited from discriminating against these individuals on the basis of their age or disability. The provincial government will also provide incentives to establishments that comply with the provisions of this ordinance.
The second ordinance declares living Bataeño WWII veterans as “living treasures” and recognizes their significant contributions to the country and province. Every living WWII veteran is entitled to an annual cash benefit of P15,000, given during the April 9 Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration. They are also given rice and medicine subsidies, depending on their needs.
These ordinances were authored and sponsored by SP members Jomar Gaza, Joseph Valdecanas, and Maria Margarita Roque and unanimously approved by all 10 board members. The SP Secretary, Atty. Mark Lorenz Quezon, emphasized the importance of these ordinances in promoting the welfare of marginalized sectors in the province.
The provincial government aims to honor the legacy of WWII veterans and promote inclusivity and diversity in the workforce through these ordinances.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bataan hopes that these initiatives will inspire other provinces to prioritize the needs of senior citizens, PWDs, and veterans in their respective communities.