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where every voice—spoken or signed—is celebrated, and where
barriers dissolve into bridges of understanding.

DISABILITY RIGHTS

The government of the Philippines has created important laws to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Outlined below are some of the most significant laws that promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal rights for all.

Republic Act No. 11106

Filipino Sign Language Act Declares Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the national sign language of the Filipino Deaf and the official language of government in all transactions involving the Deaf. Click Here

Republic Act No. 10931

Students with disabilities may receive allowances for essential disability-related expenses, including support services and supplies reasonably incurred. Click Here

Republic Act No. 10410

Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Act Recognizes ages 0–8 as critical for development and strengthens early education systems, supporting early intervention for children with developmental needs. Click Here

Republic Act No. 10754

Expanded Benefits for PWDs Grants value-added tax (VAT) exemption for PWDs and expands benefits and privileges under the Magna Carta. Click Here

Republic Act No. 10533

Encompasses kindergarten, elementary and secondary education as well as alternative learning systems for out-of-school learners and those with special needs.  Click Here

Republic Act No. 10524

Employment Opportunities for PWDs Expands reserved positions for PWDs in government and encourages private sector inclusion. Click Here

Republic Act No. 10366

Accessible Polling Places Act Authorizes COMELEC to establish precincts for PWDs and senior citizens to ensure safe and accessible voting. Click Here

Ordinance No. 38, Series of 2012  (Suspended)

Creation of PDAO in Dumaguete Establishes a Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) in Dumaguete City to implement local disability programs. Click Here

Republic Act No. 10070

Institutional Mechanism for PWD Services Mandates the creation of PDAOs in every province, city, and municipality to ensure consistent delivery of services for PWDs. Click Here

Republic Act No. 9442

Additional Privileges and Protection Amends RA 7277 to include discounts, incentives, and protection against ridicule and discrimination. Click Here

Republic Act No. 7277

Magna Carta for Disabled Persons The cornerstone law that guarantees the rights of PWDs to education, employment, health, and social services. Click Here

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

The CRPD promotes equality and protects the rights of persons with disabilities, including Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It references sign language and accessibility for the Deaf seven times across five key articles:

Article 2
Article 9
Article 21
Article 24
Article 30

The Philippines ratified the CRPD on April 15, 2008.

Alone We Can Do So Little; Together
We Can Do So Much
– Helen Keller

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