DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The provincial government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, is encouraging the public to actively participate in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) for a more inclusive society.
PDAO Pangasinan head Jennifer Garcia said all sectors of society, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and the general public, are encouraged to integrate PWDs in community activities, employment, and education.
Garcia highlighted that through active participation, the public will be educated about the rights and needs of PWDs and ensure equal opportunities for them.
In line with this, Garcia said the provincial government has lined up various activities in celebration of the 2024 National Disability Rights Week (NDRW) with the theme, “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access.”
Through Proclamation No. 597, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared July 17–23 of every year as “National Disability Rights Week.”
This is part of the commitment of the government to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all PWDs and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
“The 2024 NDRW celebration in Pangasinan is a significant event dedicated to raising awareness about the rights of PWDs and promoting a more inclusive society,” she said.
To promote the celebration, PDAO will have an online guesting at Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Pangasinan’s “Pantongtongan Tayo” (Pag-usapan Natin) virtual presser on July 3.
Forty wheelchairs will be distributed to residents of Bani town on July 11–12, followed by the distribution of the same to 60 residents in Bolinao town on July 17–19.
On July 15–16, a livelihood training for PWDs will be held at the Provincial Training and Development Center I in Lingayen town, while on July 23, local government units in the province will simultaneously celebrate NDRW along with the provincial government’s “Got Talent” contest.
She added that an orientation on Barrier-Free Tourism in partnership with the Department of Tourism-Region I is also scheduled for July 25.
Garcia said the celebration will conclude with the conduct of a forum dubbed “Unlocking Potential: Field Trip on Employment and Livelihood for Disability Advocacy,” where PWD leaders and focal persons are expected to participate on July 29–31.
“These activities emphasize the importance of recognizing the diverse abilities of PWDs and ensuring they have equal opportunities and access in all aspects of life,” she said.
She added that through the celebration, the provincial government would like to convey the message to the public that PWDs possess unique talents and capabilities that should be celebrated and utilized; ensure accessibility is not just a necessity but a right that must be upheld; and society must actively work to include PWDs in all areas of life.
Likewise, Garcia said sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations and companies that wish to support the cause and gain visibility as champions of disability rights.
“The public may volunteer to assist with event logistics, support participants, and help raise awareness, or sponsor to provide financial or in-kind assistance to help make the event a success,” she said, adding that the public is also welcome to join the various activities to learn and show they uphold disability rights.
Further, Garcia urged the public to use their voice to promote policies and practices that support PWDs in their community.
She said interested participants during the celebration may register through this link: https://tinyurl.com/mrxv6kxb. (AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
