The Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) Caraga successfully convened for its 3rd Quarter Meeting at Villa Rosalina, Britania, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on September 14-15, 2026. Regional agency partners, provincial and city focal persons, local federation leaders, and persons with disabilities  sector advocates gathered for a productive day dedicated to advancing the rights, accessibility, and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities across our region.

During the meeting, Atty. Angelie Mae S. Tan, Election Officer IV of the Commission on Elections – Agusan del Norte, led a comprehensive discussion on the regional implementation of Republic Act No. 10366, also known as “An Act Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens” The discussion highlighted key accessible measures under the law, including the provision of ground-floor Accessible Polling Places (APPs), priority lanes, satellite registration, and assistor protocols for senior citizens and persons with disabilities . 

Atty. Tan also highlighted operational gaps observed during the recent elections—where a significant number of the 21,578 registered senior citizens and 5,064 persons with disabilities in the Caraga Region were unable to utilize APPs.  Among the primary barriers identified were the unupdated PWD indicators in the voter registry, inadequate physical signages, and the limited availability of sign language interpreters To address these challenges, Atty. Tan recommended updating voter attributes in the COMELEC’s database ahead of election cycles, conducting disability-sensitivity training for election officers, improving accessibility and site signages, and establishing emergency APPs. The discussion underscored the importance of a strong collaboration between the COMELEC, Department of Education, and the LGUs in ensuring that elections are accessible and inclusive. In response the Committee passed  a resolution to strengthen and reinforce multi-agency efforts towards voting accessibility for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the region.

In a major institutional update, the Committee formally approved  the inclusion of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as a new RCDA member agency, alongside its continuing advocacy for the full implementation of Republic Act No. 10366. 

Additionally, the Committee also agreed to formally transmit the results of the Accessibility Audit conducted in seven (7) partner agencies   for appropriate corrective measures and structural improvements in compliance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 

Across the region, key partners delivered high-impact programs. Each of them presented their accomplishments for the persons with disabilities sector highlighting commitment, inclusiveness, and advocacy in promoting their rights.

The 3rd quarter meeting was gracefully hosted by the Province of Surigao del Sur and the City Government of Tandag City.