Activities slated for Persons with Disabilities Week

CEBU, Philippines - To highlight efforts for disability prevention and rehabilitation, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) launched on Saturday the persons with disabilities (PWDs) week.

Every third week of July is the National Disability and Rehabilitation week, wherein activities will be headed by the NCDA and other affiliate organizations such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

NCDA is the agency mandated to plan policies and coordinate activities concerning disability issues and concerns. The agency is tasked to guide the course of program development for PWDs and the delivery of services to the sector.

With this year’s theme, “Making the Rights real for Filipinos with Disabilities,” the NCDA aims for PWDs to be active contributors and participants in nation building. As part of the weeklong activity, PWDs gathered yesterday at SM City Cebu North Wing for the opening mass followed by a parade and art jamming inside the mall.

 Various activities in the city include a forum and Job Fair for PWDs at SM City activity center today; a massage demo on July 19; Fun Walk and Larong Pinoy at the Cebu City Sport Complex on July 20 and PWD recollection at the Holly Family Retreat House on July 21. To conclude the activity, a medical and dental mission will be done at Barangay Mabolo Gym.

DSWD is encouraging the public to join the celebration and for LGUs to initiate activities. The LGUs may conduct sports competition, cultural and variety shows and lectures on disability prevention, the DSWD said. The department also asks the general public to support made products by PWD. 

For years, the country’s leaders noted great concern in promoting and integrating PWDs in mainstream society towards empowerment.

Since 2000, there has been an estimated annual increase of two to four percent in the number of PWDs. This is attributed to an increased malnutrition rate, accidents and congenital deficiencies cases. — (FREEMAN)