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The Asian Resource Center for Decentralization is an online platform for sharing and exchange of resources on decentralization theory and practice in Asia.

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Enabling the Disabled

From Zero to Hero:
Small victories in an uphill battle to inclusiveness (San Lorenzo, Camarines Norte)

Raphael Montes, Jr. & Prejean Prieto

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San Lorenzo Ruiz’s experience shows the difficulty faced by fourth to sixth class municipalities in carrying out an unfunded mandate. PWD concerns are particularly financially demanding given the diversity of disabilities and their respective needs. PWD inclusive public infrastructure may be challenging in mountainous or sloping areas where many poor municipalities like San Lorenzo Ruiz are located. They would have to follow standards as well as the natural terrain in ensuring accessibility and safety for PWDs. Add to that the general context of limited funds for infrastructure and other development projects.

San Lorenzo Ruiz, a largely rural and agricultural municipality, faced an uphill battle in mainstreaming PWD-inclusiveness—possibly the most challenging situation in the entire province of Camarines Norte.  Despite this, it has been able to implement programs along the lines of community organizing, capacity building, livelihood, education, assistive devices and accessibility improvement. Its small successes highlight the crucial role of Provincial PDAO in persuading and supporting local governments in setting up their PDAO and the need for a diligent PDAO Head in pushing for PDAO’s projects even with limited resources.

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