A livelihood center for persons with disability (PWD) will soon rise inside the Orchidarium at Burnham Park once the programs of work are signed for bidding.
Persons with Disability Affairs Officer (PDAO) Samuel Aquino said the project estimate costs P2.3 million source from the city’s supplemental fund.
The PDAO is currently working on the organization of a PWD cooperative registered with regulatory government agencies to manage the operation of the livelihood center once completed.
“The program of works for the livelihood center is now with the City Buildings and Architecture Office for signing before it is published for bidding by the Bids and Awards Committee,” Aquino said.
The proposed design, Aquino explained, conforms with the provisions of Republic Act 9442 amending RA 7277, otherwise known as the ‘Magna Carta for Persons with Disability’ ensuring that policies, programs and services for persons with disabilities are implemented at the local level for them to fully participate in building an inclusive society for all.
Originally, the plan was to rehabilitate the vacant facility at the heart of the Orchidarium into a resto-café operated by the PWDs.
A P3 million grant was allotted by the Department of Labor and Employment in 2022 for the proposed project then complete with renovation, materials, and labor including minor demolition as well as appliances and furniture.
However, the DOLE did not download the funding to the city due to unforeseen events that have overtaken the implementation of the project. – Jessa Mardy Samidan
