QC employment program benefits 200 PWDs

An ordinance institutionalizing Quezon City’s “Kasama Ka sa Kyusi” program has helped provide employment opportunities to around 200 persons with disabilities this year.

Ordinance No. 3469, authored by District 6 Councilor Emmanuel “Banjo” Pilar, formalized the program to promote workforce participation among PWDs registered with the Quezon City Persons With Disability Affairs Office.

QC-PDAO Policy Research and Planning Section Head Aron Cabral said Friday that around 200 of the city’s more than 100,000 registered PWDs are currently employed in various offices and departments of the local government.

“Most of them are either doing clerical works while others act as receptionists. Our goal here is maipakita na kaya pa nilang magtrabaho. Minsan nga mas efficient pa sila,” Cabral said.

Before joining the workforce, beneficiaries undergo training in areas such as vocational skills, computer literacy and job readiness, followed by a four-month trial period in positions assigned by participating city offices.

“Twice a year they are hired for four months to which every end of the month they undergo evaluation. Most of them now ended already as a COS, others are now regular employees,” Cabral said.

The ordinance, passed and signed by Mayor Joy Belmonte in December 2025, provided an initial appropriation of more than P23 million for 200 beneficiaries under two four-month employment cycles.

Pilar said the program is intended to give registered PWDs opportunities to earn a living and participate more fully in the workforce.

“The institutionalization of the program will ensure its continuity and sustainability, allowing for a more systematic and effective approach to the workforce participation of PWDs,” he said.