The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Services Office I (PSA-RSSO I) conducted a data dissemination forum on the results of the 2016 National Disability Prevalence Survey or Model Functioning Survey (2016 NDPS/MFS) on December 12, 2019 at Hotel Ariana and Restaurant, Paringao, Bauang, La Union.

The data dissemination forum aimed to increase awareness on disability concepts and disseminate result of the survey that will be helpful inputs in the formulation of programs and policies for the sector of the population with disability. 

Atty. Sheila O. De Guzman, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of PSA-RSSO I in her opening message emphasized thatthe information  from survey result coupled with the correct appreciation of the disability concept used in the survey will be helpful inputs in the making of government policies, programs, and services for the Filipinos who are experiencing functional disability.

Dr. Divino Amor P. Rivera, 2016 NDPS/MFS Regional Focal Person talked on the background of the survey while Dr. Danites E. Teñido, OIC of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD) of PSA-RSSO I presented the 2016 NDPS/MFS results.  Dr. Julia Racquel Rimando-Magalong, OIC of the Non-Communicable Disease Cluster of the Department of Health - Center of Health and Development 1 (DOH-CHD 1) and Ms. Elizabeth C. Manuel, Training Center Superintendent II of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Area 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Center were invited to give their own views on the result of the survey. 

The survey revealed thatin terms of disability prevalence in the Philippines in 2016, 12 percent of Filipinos age 15 and over experienced severe disability, 47 percent with moderate disability, 23 percent with mild disability, and 19 percent with no disability.  Severe disability prevalence was recorded by more women (15%) than men (9%).  Almost one in every three persons (32%) with severe disability belonged to the older population age group of 60 and older. Getting an education was reported as extremely problematic by 25 in every 100 persons with severe disability while 34 in every 100 persons with severe disability said that applying for and getting a job was extremely problematic. 

The surveycovered around 11,000 sample households, with one member, age 15 years or older, randomly selected in each sample household.  The concept or understanding of disability used in the Model Disability Survey (MDS) is the outcome of the interaction between health conditions and impairments of an individual and his/her environment whether physical, social, attitudinal and/or political. Disability levels of respondents were measured by answering a series of questions in seventeen (17) functioning domains namely: (1) mobility; (2) hand and arm use; (3) self–care (4) seeing; (5) hearing; (6) pain; (7) energy and drive; (8) breathing; (9) affect (depression and anxiety); (10) interpersonal relationship; (11) handling stress; (12) communication; (13) cognition; (14) household tasks; (15) community and citizenship participation; (16) caring for others; (17) work and schooling.

The survey aimed to estimate the prevalence of disability, determine the current disability of population, identify the needs, barriers and inequalities faced by persons with different level of disability, and provide the information necessary for the development of future policy priorities to improve the lives of the population with disability.

The 2016 NDPS/MFS is the first disability survey held in the country implemented by the PSA in 2016.The survey adopted the MDS which was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank (WB). The MDS is grounded on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF is a framework for describing and organizing information on functioning and disability that relates to the body functions and structures, activities, participation of people and environmental factors.

The survey was organized through the funds provided by the DOH and technical assistance from the WHO. The National Council Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) also collaborated in the undertaking by providing resource persons.