The provincial government of Albay, through the Albay Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (APPDAO), is urging persons with disabilities (PWDs) to exercise their right to vote during the May 12 mid-term polls.

In a statement released by the Albay provincial Information Office on Tuesday, APPDAO head Annecita Abion underscored the importance of voting to ensure PWDs’ voices are heard and their needs addressed.

“We encourage everyone to vote if they want their voices to be recognized. It is essential to exercise the right to suffrage; otherwise, if they do not participate, the conditions for our sector will remain unchanged,” she said.

Abion said participation in the election process will help pave the way for practical programs that benefit the sector.

Meanwhile, she advised PWDs to check if they are assigned to an Accessible Polling Place (APP) or an Emergency APP, which is usually located on the ground floor of polling venues, and to vote early, citing that polling precincts open as early as 6 a.m. to accommodate PWDs. (PNA)