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16(1)2026 (IN PRESS)

Evaluating disability programs in Maasin City, Philippines: Bridging gaps in social inclusion in Southeast Asia


Author - Affiliation:
Sumacot Morillo Rannie - Southern Leyte State University
Samaco Magdaleno, Jr. - Southern Leyte State University
Pasculado Maria Risa Jean - Southern Leyte State University
Aguelo Annalyn - Southern Leyte State University
Pia Jhon Michael - Southern Leyte State University
Padilla Jussa - Southern Leyte State University
Castalla Mary Joy - Southern Leyte State University
Requiso Nerriza - Southern Leyte State University
Siega Vencent - Southern Leyte State University
Corresponding author: Sumacot Morillo Rannie - rsumacot@southernleytestateu.edu.ph
Submitted: 24-11-2024
Accepted: 17-12-2024
Published: 15-01-2025

Abstract
This study evaluates the implementation of disability programs in Maasin City, Philippines, focusing on the extent of social inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Using a descriptive research design, the study gathered data from a sample of PWDs to assess the effectiveness of programs across five key areas: Employment, Education, Health, Auxiliary Social Services, Accessibility, and Political and Civil Rights. The findings reveal that while health, accessibility, and political and civil rights programs have relatively high implementation (mean scores of 2.59, 2.79, and 2.70, respectively), critical sectors like employment, education, and auxiliary social services show low implementation (mean scores of 1.96, 2.23, and 2.26). These gaps hinder the full inclusion of PWDs in society and reflect a need for more targeted interventions in these areas. The study concludes that although some progress has been made in certain sectors, overall program implementation remains insufficient, as indicated by a Grand Mean of 2.42. The research underscores the importance of improving the delivery of services, with recommendations focused on enhancing infrastructure, providing specialized programs for different types of disabilities, and ensuring better resource allocation to bridge the gaps in social inclusion. These findings have significant implications for policy development and resource management to promote a more inclusive society for PWDs in Southeast Asia.

Keywords
Person With Disability, Person with Disability Program, Local Government Unit, Maasin City

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46223/HCMCOUJS.soci.en.16.1.3868.2026
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© The Author(s) 2026. This is an open access publication under CC BY NC licence.