PCES, Inc. Introduces PWD-E Platform to ALKASAMOPI and LTO Region 4-A CALABARZON - Cainta Extension Office
Led by COO Leo Herrera and his dedicated team, on September 25, 2025, Philippines Central Engagement Services, Inc. (PCES, Inc.) formally presented the employment-and-inclusion platform, PWD-E, to Chief Glen Magalzo of the Land Transportation Office Region 4-A CALABARZON, Cainta Extension Office. Additionally, Mr. Joseph Delgado of ALKASAMOPI also partook in the meeting.
Expanding Access for Persons with Disabilities
During the presentation, Herrera explained in detail the steps on how the PWD-E platform operates.
He discussed its functions and its employment facilitation for people and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In this respect, the initiative of PCES, Inc. strongly complements the LTO-Cainta Extension Office in its unrelenting effort to continue processing and issuing driver’s licenses for persons with disabilities.
Through this collaboration, the agency demonstrates its dedication to advancing inclusion, universal access, and equitable employment. Moreover, it ensures that PWDs and other competent persons with disabilities are not physically obstructed from leading an autonomous and active life in society.
The Magna Carta for Persons with Disability
This initiative aligns with Republic Act (RA) No. 7277, also referred to as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability. The law guarantees PWDs’ right to mobility and equal participation in society.
Under this law, qualified PWDs can obtain a driver’s license or operate motor vehicles. They may do so as long as they fulfill the necessary conditions and follow LTO regulations.
Recognition of LTO Region 4-A’s PWD-Friendly Efforts
Herrera commended Chief Magalzo and the rest of the unit for advocating for the drivers with PWDs. In addition, he noted that the LTO Cainta Extension Office stands as an institution friendly to PWDs.
Furthermore, he stressed the role of the state and its collaborating entities in enabling PWDs to access employment and other income-generating opportunities.
LTO’s Commitment for PWDs
In response to this concern, Chief Magalzo pledged that his office will enhance support for qualified PWDs applying for licenses. He also addressed the issue that some LTO branches had rejected applications from eligible PWDs.
As a result, these incidents fostered a sense of exclusion for those applicants who, in fact, met all the requirements.
The PWD-E Platform: Accessibility, Integrity & Inclusion
Herrera mentioned that the PWD-E platform has been improved with the addition of sign language and other accommodations. These are offered through the partnership with the Philippine Federation of the Deaf.
Consequently, this partnership helps provide better access to communication for the Deaf community.
He also explained that 1,700 registrants were removed from the program for lacking PWD IDs. He justified this action as a way to protect the system and ensure that benefits go only to genuine, authenticated PWDs.
Herrera also pointed out the stark reality that even registrant PWDs with Master’s and Doctorate degrees face tremendous challenges in getting employed because of their disabilities. Therefore, he emphasized that PWD-E serves not just as an employment platform but as a statement of advocacy for fairness and accessibility.
Other Partnerships of PCES for Other Platforms
Besides the PWD-E initiative, other platforms and partnerships of PCES, Inc. were explained by Herrera. These include the partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the reintegration project Chains2Chances.
Most recently, they also partnered with INT Logistics and Manpower. He emphasized the community service activities PCES, Inc. partakes in, which include the clean-up drive in Naic, Cavite, on September 20, 2025.
He also announced the upcoming job fair in the same town. This event focuses on PWDs and aims to promote Inclusive Employer Partnerships.
Addressing Misrepresentation and Data Gaps in the PWD Community
Herrera, while citing the statistics from the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA), noted a significant gap in the statistics of PWDs. The numbers reportedly dropped from 10.7 million to 2.2 million in the whole country.
Because of this, he believes there might be some cases of misrepresentation. Therefore, he stressed that the PWD-E platform plays a crucial role in formulating valid and persuasive data. It helps capture the real state of PWDs in the Philippines.
Local Data Challenges: PDAO, DOH, or MSWD?
Cabradilla of the PCES team raised concerns about insufficient updated information from Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs). Moreover, Cabradilla emphasized the necessity of determining the main source of PWD data, whether from the Department of Health (DOH) or the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD).
Closing Sentiment
In his closing remark, Chief Magalzo appreciated the efforts extended by PCES, Inc. and wished that their influence and reach would continue to grow.
Ultimately, his message reiterated the office’s commitment to provide sustained assistance to the people and the communities through transformative initiatives.