SOME 8,000 disabled residents in Quezon City will benefit from this year's rollout of the Social Welfare Assistance Program, Mayor Maria Josefina 'Joy' Belmonte said.

Initially, around 700 persons with disabilities (PWDs) were enrolled in the program that grants a P1,500 quarterly subsidy.

'With the city government's social welfare assistance program, we can assure the city residents under this sector of financial aid for their family needs, especially now that prices of basic commodities have always been increasing,' Belmonte said.

Created through an ordinance, the program specifically covers indigent PWD QCitizens who do not receive any other financial aid from the national government.

'It prioritizes the bedridden; PWDs with severe health conditions that seriously impair normal life; solo parent PWDs who struggle to provide for their children; a solo parent living with a child with disability; displaced PWD workers living alone; and PWDs living with senior citizen parents,' Belmonte said.

QCitizens who wish to be part of the program need to submit all documentary requirements to the nearest PDAO (Persons with Disability Affairs Office) district office in their area.

They have to present a PWD QCitizen ID card and proof of residence from their barangay (village).

Belmonte said the local government also provides educational assistance to children with disabilities to support their special education or vocational classes.

'They receive P5,000 annually,' she said.