Cebu — The Cebu Province is taking a proactive step toward fostering a more inclusive labor market by calling on local business establishments to prioritize the hiring of persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and individuals from marginalized sectors. The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) approved a resolution on July 6, 2026, aimed at reducing workplace discrimination and providing better employment opportunities for vulnerable groups who are often overlooked. By encouraging companies to open their doors to these sectors, the province seeks to uplift their morale and standard of living, emphasizing that these individuals possess the potential to be highly productive and effective members of the community.
A Legislative Push for Inclusivity
The resolution, authored by PB Member Larenz Lagon, is rooted in the belief that providing gainful employment is a necessary step to support vulnerable sectors and integrate them into the mainstream workforce. This move coincides with the observance of July as PWD Month in the province, as mandated by Cebu Provincial Ordinance 2011-02. Furthermore, the provincial government has been strengthening its support system through Executive Order 85, Series of 2025, which established the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities to oversee policies and projects dedicated to the sector’s needs. According to data from the National Council on Disability Affairs as of July 2026, there are 6,899 households in Cebu Province that include at least one PWD, highlighting the scale of the population that could benefit from these inclusive hiring practices.
Existing Legal Protections and Incentives
Efforts to include PWDs and seniors in the workforce are already bolstered by national legislation designed to prevent discrimination and encourage corporate social responsibility. Republic Act (RA) 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, explicitly prohibits workplace discrimination, while its 2011 amendment, RA 10524, encourages private corporations with over a hundred employees to reserve a portion of their workforce for PWDs. To make these hiring practices more attractive, Philippine law also provides tax incentives to employers. Businesses that hire PWDs and senior citizens are entitled to additional tax deductions from their gross income, a mechanism intended to offset any perceived costs of providing reasonable accommodations.
Breaking Misconceptions for a Stronger Economy
Despite the legal and moral arguments for inclusive hiring, some businesses remain hesitant due to misconceptions regarding the capability or cost-efficiency of hiring diverse groups. Advocates argue that these barriers—such as the fear of expensive workspace modifications or doubts about productivity—are often unfounded and can be addressed through proper training and inclusive policy-making. By aligning local business practices with the province’s vision of a more equitable society, Cebu aims to demonstrate that inclusivity is not just a social duty but a strategic advantage. As local government and private entities continue to coordinate, the goal remains clear: to create an environment where every citizen, regardless of age or physical ability, has the chance to contribute to and thrive within the provincial economy.
