Jan 14: A bill which proposed changes to the Philippines' system of caring for its disabled people has been approved, it has been reported.

The passing of the new regulations means that securing the livelihoods, health, economic and social wellbeing of those with disabilities will become a more pressing issue in the country, informed the Manila Bulletin.

Furthermore, local government units will be called upon to establish PDAO (persons with disabilities affairs offices), which will address specific needs in concentrated areas, such as accessibility, funding, ordinances and policies.

The bill has also amended the terminology contained within the existing act to favour the term 'persons with disabilities', rather than 'disabled persons', the newspaper added.

Lauro Purcil, education committee head of United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, is quoted by the publication as stating: "We are grateful for this law. However, we have to be vigilant and promptly react."

As of July 2009, the Philippines had a population of 97.9 million with 65 per cent of people inhabiting the country's urban areas, according to the Central Intelligence Agency.

Source: http://www.vsointernational.org/news