May 30, 2023, at the Queen Margarette Hotel, Mauban, Quezon—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Quezon, represented by the Negosyo Center Mauban Business Counselor, actively participated in a meeting focused on capacity building for business establishments offering discounts to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens. The meeting, spearheaded by Mr. Alden Villamarzo, President of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), and Mr. Nel Devera, President of the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), received additional support from Sangguniang Bayan Councilor Raquel Almacen, the Committee Chairman on Senior Citizen Affairs.
The main purpose of the business stakeholder’s meeting was to inform and discuss the national law that governs the regulations regarding the benefits for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Senior Citizens (SCs). Atty. Walter Jason Alava and Mr. Errol Barba were invited as guest speakers. Atty. Alava shared valuable insights regarding the key mandates of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and proceeded to enlighten the attendees about the existing laws specifically relevant to PWDs. One important topic he covered was the right of PWDs and SCs to discounts and comfortable accessibility to business establishments.
Afterward, an open forum is held where business owners and representatives from various sectors express their support for PWDs and SCs. They also take the opportunity to raise their questions and concerns. One notable question revolves around the proper reporting of the 20% discount and the exemption of 12% VAT to the BIR. Additionally, they seek clarification on the different types of basic necessities and prime commodities that are eligible for the 5% discount.
LGU Mauban, through the PDAO and OSCA, will continue to explore effective methods to disseminate information regarding the proper implementation of these discounts. They want to ensure that this initiative will not only benefit the PWDs and SCs but also the local businesses operating in Mauban, Quezon. ♦
Date of Release: 14 June 2023
