DSWD pushes regular e-buses for PWD

Metro Manila, Philippines - Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said he will be coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand a program of e-shuttles for persons with disabilities (PWD).

There are an initial 20 corporate e-shuttles operated by PWD groups under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD SLP).

Gatchalian said around 2,000 PWD are taking the e-buses for work.

“Ang target natin magkakaroon ng regular run… ang initial route na tinitingnan ay Quezon City route,” he said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday, June 17.

“Ang goal talaga is palawakin, palawigin, paramihin, not just in Metro Manila but also in other metro areas para mas magkaroon ng accessible and safe na space para sa ating people with disabilities,” he said.

[Translation: The goal is to scale up the program not just in Metro Manila but also in other metro areas so that people with disabilities could have accessible and safe space.]

PWD members of SLP associations bought the electric vehicles made by Global Electric Transport Philippines using livelihood grants from the PWD-Electric Transportation Service project. The buses had ramps, enough spaces for wheelchairs, and security cameras.

Gatchalian also said his agency will be talking with DOTr to mount a massive information campaign in bus and transport companies regarding handling of PWDs.

The DOTr has been investigating an incident where passengers ganged up on a 25-year-old PWD, and a bus conductor allegedly tasered him. The PWD, who was on the spectrum, allegedly bit passengers as he may be triggered by noise.