Carmen Zubiaga is a consultant and advocate for gender equality, disability and social inclusion. She was the president and chief executive officer of Women with Disabilities Leap to Social and Economic Progress or WOW-LEAP.
On social media, she simply describes herself as "a woman in a wheelchair advocating for change and inclusion of persons with disabilities in a rights-based society." Zubiaga also served as acting executive director of the National Council on Disability Affairs from 2012 to 2019.
She says she is running for senator and not a party-list representative because disability is an intersectional issue. All laws, according to Zubiaga, should be inclusive and proactive in addressing concerns and problems of not only PWDs but also people who may become disabled due to old age.
Zubiaga is campaigning on a platform of inclusive governance which she says would involve rooting our corruption and under-the-table transactions. Her advocacy also entails educating families about various disabilities, increasing the accessibility of services and products, and creating a safe space for all to participate and enjoy.
The candidate's top priorities if elected to office, tracked against previous promises and accomplishments, if any
Proposing a National Rehabilitation Act for All that would reduce functional limitations by making the following rehabilitation services available:
- Early intervention and education centers for children age 0-4 with disabilities
- Assistive devices and technology for those age 18 and below
- Community-based mental health programs
- livelihood and sheltered workshops for vocational rehabilitation and employment promotions in all communities
- Disability support services for all tertiary schools
- Capacity building fund for all community-based organizations representing marginalized groups, including PWDs
- Seeks to pass the Family Protection and Security Act to support families with members with disabilities, adopted children, and same-sex couples
- Vows to create safe spaces for all including children, women, PWDs, LGBTQ persons, and the elderly in public transport, other public facilities, tourist destinations and the workplace
- Proposing to reform the incentive mechanisms for employers of PWDs and provide options for firms looking to provide alternative employment and support to PWDs
Led the implementation of the Community Advocacy Program for Women with Disabilities
The candidate's top five accomplishments and contributions for the last 15 years or so
Public Office
From 2012 to 2019, Zubiaga was the acting executive director of the National Council on Disability Affairs, the agency mandated to lead in policy formulation, program development and monitoring of all disability related activities in coordination with national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities.
Acting Executive Director, National Council on Disability Affairs, 2012-2019
Private Sector
Zubiaga is a veteran disability consultant and advocate. She is a polio survivor, with both of her legs affected by paralysis, resulting in her use of a wheelchair.
Actions and/or proceedings pending against or resolved in courts or tribunals involving the candidate, based on publicly available information
Also known as SALN, this document is a declaration of one's personal finances. Philippine Law requires the SALN to be submitted by all public officials and employees to the Ombudsman. Public officials and employees may opt to voluntarily disclose their SALN to the public.
Key details about the candidate's campaign
Candidate's major donors and campaign funding sources
The candidate's top advocacies in the last 15 years or so
Position/Date: President and chief executive officer, WOWLEAP Inc., 2000-2004
Basic information on the candidate's family, background and work experience
- Teodorico Zubiaga, father
- Anastacia Zubiaga, mother
Eight siblings
- Jose Zubiaga
- Moses Zubiaga
- Joanna Zubiaga
- Gabriel Aaron Zubiaga
●Master’s Degree in Development Management, Asian Institute of Management, 1993
●Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, Trinity University of Asia
●Consultant on Gender, Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion, 2019-present
●Acting Executive Director, National Council on Disability Affair, 2012-2019
●Public Information Officer, Gender-Equality-Disability Focal Person and Social Welfare Officer, Taytay, Rizal, 2004-2012
●President and Chief Executive Officer, Women with Disabilities Leap to Social and Economic Progress, 2000 - 2004
●Technical Adviser, National Center for the Disabled, Ministry of Social Affairs, Cambodia (through the UN Volunteer Program), 1996-1999
