Nineteen year old JR Tan, person with autism, went to his precinct for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections yesterday, October 25, 2010. (Barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippine Government). JR insisted on voting in the hopes of having good leaders to manage the problems like flood control, peace and order in his community.
“People with disabilities shall not be deprived of this privilege. Persons with Autism have the right to vote and should be given the opportunity. PWAs should also be allowed assistance in voting by a person of his choice. I am thankful to be given this opportunity toparticipate in this exercise,” said JR.
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| PWA JR Tan (right) with Poll Watcher and Autism Angel, Merissa Ferrer |
His barangay is identified by the Metro-Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as one of the city’s chronic flood-prone areas. Last year, his former school was flooded up to more than 10 feet, destroying valuable speech lab equipment, school furniture and documents. After the floods subsided, he joined some alumni and high school students, to volunteer for the school clean-up.
“In the coming years, I want to witness an efficient system of implementing local standards in recycling waste and flood management. So that in case there will be another powerful storm (like Ondoy), there will be less floods and more accessibility in going in and out of our barangay area.”
He looks forward to the “Flood Control Bayanihan Zones” Project, a public-private partnership to alleviate the adverse effects of flooding in Metro Manila, particularly during the rainy season.
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