Aklan, Philippines — Despite strong legal frameworks protecting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), real access to government services remains inconsistent and unequal, according to a new study by Rene M. Fernando and Ma. Gemma P. Rasco from Aklan State University, published in 2026 in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research.
The study explored the lived experiences of PWDs in accessing government programs in Numancia, Aklan, revealing a persistent gap between policy promises and actual service delivery.
Through interviews with ten registered PWDs, researchers found that access to government services begins with formal recognition through a PWD identification card. However, having an ID does not automatically guarantee support.
Many participants said they relied heavily on intermediaries such as family members, barangay officials, health workers, and community leaders to navigate government procedures.
Government assistance was also described as irregular and conditional, often depending on available budgets, quotas, and selection processes.
Participants were able to access benefits such as discounts on medicines, transportation, and food, as well as medical and social assistance. However, barriers such as bureaucracy, selective distribution, and dependence on personal networks limited equal access.
The study also found that family support played a crucial role in helping PWDs survive daily challenges, while emotional coping mechanisms such as acceptance and prayer helped them maintain resilience.
Fernando and Rasco argue that inclusive governance must go beyond policy declarations. They stress the need for regular support, simpler procedures, transparent distribution, and stronger livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The findings highlight that equal access is not only about legal rights but about ensuring those rights are consistently practiced in everyday life.
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