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Republic Act 10754 Benefits and Privileges for Persons with Disabilities
Republic Act 10754, enacted in 2016, significantly broadens the benefits and privileges for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines. Building on the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277), the law aims to uphold the rights and well-being of PWDs by ensuring equal opportunities and better access to essential services.
This topic was thoroughly discussed by Trina Bacol, who emphasized the importance of recognizing the diversity of disabilities—including long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments—to ensure appropriate and inclusive support for every individual.
Among the key benefits shared were the 20% discount and VAT exemption on specific goods and services such as maintenance medicines, assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids, as well as discounts on air and sea fares for domestic travel. The law also encourages educational assistance and promotes inclusive employment through incentives for employers who hire PWDs.
To avail of these privileges, PWDs must secure a PWD Identification Card from their City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO/MSWDO) by submitting a medical certificate, proof of residency, and recent photos, followed by an assessment.
Trina Bacol also highlighted the challenges that remain despite these legal provisions, including limited awareness and inconsistent implementation. According to a 2024 survey, 60% of PWDs remain unaware of all their benefits, stressing the need for sustained advocacy, education, and stronger enforcement. RA 10754 ultimately serves not just as a list of entitlements, but as a concrete step toward building a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.
2. Promoting Professionalism and Citizen-Centered Service: iShare Telephone Etiquette Session of LGMED, DILG Region 10
To strengthen its commitment to citizen-focused service and professional communication, the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) of DILG Region 10 organized the iShare Telephone Etiquette learning session. This initiative aims to reinforce the importance of handling telephone calls with clarity, respect, and efficiency, ensuring that every interaction projects a positive image of the department and builds trust with the public.
The session focused on several key objectives: facilitating clear and effective communication, ensuring accuracy to avoid misunderstandings, respecting the caller’s time and needs, and ultimately presenting DILG as a professional and approachable government agency. As emphasized during the discussion, good telephone etiquette in a government office is not just about procedure; it reflects the department’s values of transparency, responsiveness, and citizen care.
Among the core practices shared were: answering calls promptly — ideally within three rings — to show attentiveness; speaking in a professional tone that remains polite and respectful even when faced with challenging conversations; and clearly identifying both the office and the staff member at the start of every call. For example, “Good morning! Thank you for calling LGMED, DILG Region 10! This is Airah. How may I assist you?” This simple introduction helps establish a welcoming and professional atmosphere from the outset.
The session also stressed the importance of speaking clearly and at a moderate pace to ensure callers can understand every word, and actively listening without interruption to grasp the caller’s concerns fully. When taking messages, staff are encouraged to capture key details such as the caller’s full name, contact information, and the purpose of the call, and then repeat the information back to confirm its accuracy. This practice not only prevents errors but also reassures callers that their concerns are taken seriously.
Practical reminders included always asking permission before putting a caller on hold, being as helpful and informative as possible, and providing clear information or next steps. Concluding calls politely is equally essential: staff should thank the caller for their time, briefly summarize the discussion, confirm any follow-up actions, and end with a respectful closing.
Through the iShare Telephone Etiquette session, LGMED, DILG Region 10, underlined that every phone conversation is an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and care for the public. By consistently applying these practices, the division ensures that even routine calls contribute to a more positive public perception of the department — and more importantly, deliver meaningful and responsive service to every citizen who reaches out.
This initiative not only enhances staff skills but also strengthens the department’s role as a trusted partner of local governments and communities throughout Northern Mindanao.
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