The socio-economic barriers faced by persons
with disabilities (PWDs) often result in increased expenses compared to
individuals without disabilities.
A 2022 report by
UNICEF Philippines estimates that the cost of raising a child with disabilities
is 40 to 80% higher than the cost for children without disabilities. This
expense becomes especially challenging for households below the poverty line.
“For many Filipino families, remittances hold
the key to a better future. As they’re guaranteed to increase the financial and
social mobility of a household, they can also augment the additional costs that
may come with caring for a family member with a disability or special needs,”
said Earl Melivo, Head of Asia Pacific at WorldRemit.
For Leo*, an OFW for 15 years and a father of
six, he does his best to work hard for each child. When caring for his eldest
daughter who has a learning disability, he mentioned that most of his dedicated
remittances goes into her healthcare.
“Gumagastos
din kami ng malaking halaga para habang lumalaki siya, lumalago din ang bahay,
kayang ma-accommodate yung kanyang
mga pangangailangan,” he also said.
(We also spend a large amount on necessary
improvements at home so her needs are accommodated while they’re growing up.)
Health expenditures were identified as the
main source of extra costs in PWD households, amounting to almost three times
more than spending in other households. A study by the Philippine Institute for
Development Studies (PIDS) found that PWD households spend an average of
P15,225.66 yearly on healthcare alone.
Other common costs went to education and
transportation if the child was enrolled in school. However, in the Philippines
where social services and policies for PWDs are severely limited, families like
Leo’s may incur even more expenses.
As a result, he makes it a point to constantly
send money home for his daughter’s medication, among other expenses. “Dahil medyo mahirap lang kami, hindi na
namin siya naparehistro as PWD. Wala kaming benefits na nakukuha. Dito sa probinsya, wala namang budget sa mga ganyan ang LGU namin,” he said.
(We are not well off, so we haven’t had the
chance to register her as a PWD. We don’t get any benefits, especially in the
province where the local government doesn’t have a fund for PWDs.)
With all the challenges that come with caring
for a PWD, Leo values his bond with his family the most. Besides constantly
communicating with his wife as they raise their family together, he looks
forward to spending time and talking personally with his daughter when he is
home.
“Kailangan
lang ng kaunting pasensya at maraming pagmamahal (They
just need a bit of patience and lots of love),” he said.
Leo also reminded fellow OFW parents of how
important their efforts and sacrifices are to their family, and that their PWD
children experience better lives because of them.
WorldRemit advocates for financial inclusion
to help champion more PWDs and their families.
"We believe that every individual,
regardless of their abilities, deserves equal opportunities in life. This
starts with more equitable access to essential resources. Since you don’t need
to go far and visit physical stores for digital remittances, it’s one of many
ways we can innovate our platforms to be more inclusive of PWDs,” Melivo said.
An inclusive society requires a collective
effort. WorldRemit continues to stand with PWDs by providing a reliable and
accessible way for OFWs to support their loved ones with special needs.
Post a Comment