09/07/2026
Hon. Minister of the Parliament Engr. Rashdi Adiong actively participated in the public hearing on July 6 and the succeeding committee meetings on July 7–8 of the Committee on Women, Youth, Children, and Persons with Disabilities (CWYCP) on the proposed BTA Bill No. 443, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities in the Bangsamoro, held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.
The public hearing brought together a wide range of resource persons, including representatives from government agencies, disability advocates, service institutions, and organizations of persons with disabilities. The resource persons shared various insights and recommendations to further improve the proposed law, including strengthening accessibility measures, promoting inclusive education, enhancing support services, improving disability data systems, establishing Persons with Disabilities Affairs Offices (PDAOs) in local governments, and recognizing disability support as a social protection measure.
During the committee meetings, members conducted a detailed review of the bill, deliberating on key provisions that uphold the rights of persons with disabilities, protect existing benefits, strengthen safeguards against discrimination, and ensure that the measure is backed by sustainable funding and an effective implementation framework. The discussions also underscored the importance of accurate data and a unified identification system to ensure that services reach those who need them most.
Among the significant developments was the inclusion of provisions for conflict-affected persons with disabilities, recognizing that many in the Bangsamoro acquired or experienced worsening disabilities due to armed conflict, violent extremism, clan feuds, landmines, military operations, and other conflict-related incidents. The proposed measure provides for rehabilitation, psychosocial support, education, livelihood assistance, and priority access to social protection, while also establishing a system to identify and monitor beneficiaries. By recognizing these realities, the bill takes a more responsive approach to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities in the Bangsamoro.
Through his attendance and participation, Hon. MP Rashdi Adiong joined fellow lawmakers in advancing meaningful discussions to further strengthen the proposed measure. As the committee continues refining the bill before its submission to the plenary, the committee remains focused on ensuring that the rights, welfare, and dignity of every Bangsamoro person with disability are protected through a law that responds to their realities and creates lasting, meaningful change.
The shared goal remains clear: to enact a measure that ensures no one is left behind.
