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A Proposed Pastoral Response Challenging the Exclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Within the Philippine Social Context

delete2026-03-01
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PRE
AI
M
Manalo, Reinaluz
B
Behan, Sean James Eire
C
Constantino, Carolina Beatriz
G
Gozum, Ivan Efreaim *
DOI:10.1007/s10943-026-02610-9delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This study critically examines government policies supporting persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Philippines by analyzing their implementation, community participation outcomes, and lived experiences to assess persistent forms of social exclusion. Despite legal frameworks such as Republic Act No. 7277 (Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities) and Republic Act No. 10524 mandating equal employment opportunities, many PWDs continue to face structural, social, and cultural barriers that limit meaningful participation and awareness of their rights. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching (CST), particularly the principles of human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and preferential concern for the marginalized, the paper proposes pastoral and ecclesial responses to ongoing exclusion. Employing the See-Judge-Act methodology, the study first analyzes current social realities affecting PWDs, then evaluates these conditions through the normative lens of CST, and finally articulates concrete pastoral actions. The findings underscore the Church's critical role in advocacy, accompaniment, and inclusive community-building to promote dignity, justice, and full participation for persons with disabilities.
Keywords:
Catholic Social Teaching
Persons with disabilities
Social exclusion
Disability rights
Accessibility
Magna Carta for PWD
Inclusivity

Journal

J
JOURNAL OF RELIGION & HEALTH
IF:
2
Papers:
165
Citations:
0

Organization

U
University of Santo Tomas
Scholars:
1.1K
Papers: 755
Citations: 871
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