PILI, Camarines Sur---Some 400 persons with disability (PWD) from several towns in Camarines Sur pinned their hopes for “equal opportunities in all aspects of human endeavors that will lead them to productive and successful lives” as the nation observes the 30th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

        In a gathering sponsored by the provincial government of Camarines Sur, the PWDs expressed hope that the RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability would serve them well with the granting of discounts in all basic services, the provisions on deliverance from ridicule and tax exemptions for benefactors.

        Sammie Buenconsejo, representative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office, told the PWDs attending they are entitled to 20 percent discount benefits in transportation services that included domestic sea, air and land fares; purchase of medicines; patronage to restaurants, hotels and recreation centers similar to the privileges granted to senior citizens.

        Buenconsejo also emphasized that the law that protects the PWDs prohibits any individual, group or community to commit acts of ridicule and vilification of persons with disability which would result in their losing self-esteem.

        He added that the RA 72277 provides tax exemptions to benefactor of a PWD, like if a person is single and under the care of the head of the family could claim the corresponding amount of exemption provided for.