The Manila Times
QUEZON CITY Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday said the city council has passed an ordinance institutionalizing the “Kasama Ka sa Kyusi” (KKSK) program for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Belmonte said the measure, which she approved, reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that PWDs are not excluded from economic opportunities and workforce participation. The ordinance guarantees sustained funding, program support and institutional backing for initiatives that help persons with disabilities find meaningful and dignified employment. Launched in 2023 and spearheaded by the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO), KKSK was created to remove long-standing barriers to employment faced by persons with disabilities. It provides a full support system, from skills training and assessment to job matching and placement. As of last March, the program has provided work opportunities to more than 500 beneficiaries. The ordinance also strengthens the city’s compliance with Republic Act 10524, which mandates that at least 1 percent of positions in government agencies, offices and corporations be reserved for persons with disabilities. Belmonte said the city has exceeded the minimum requirement, employing 731 PWDs, representing 3.12 percent of the total workforce of 23,440 employees. For many beneficiaries, the program has become more than just an employment initiative — it has become a pathway toward independence, stability and renewed confidence, she said. Applicants under the program undergo interviews and job assessments conducted by QC-PDAO. Qualified applicants are then matched with positions in city departments or partner companies based on their skills and capacities.
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