To stimulate public awareness on disability issues and concerns that will strengthen the involvement of the different government and non-government organizations, Department of Social Welfare & Development Field Office 02 together with other agencies observed the 35th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week on July 17-23, 2013.

With the theme “Building an Inclusive and Non-Handicapping Environment for Persons with Disabilities”, the week-long celebration kicked off with a motorcade around Tuguegarao City proper participated in by the different partner agencies, regional committee on disability affairs and non-government organizations afterwhich, a holy mass was held at the gymnasium of the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 02.

In his message, Atty. Roel Nicolas, Assistant Regional State Prosecutor, encouraged the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to continue striving for the realization of their dreams as he cited famous personalities who became successful despite being physically challenged.

Also, students of the Dinggin Ka Learning Center from the University of Saint Louis and the Young Adolescents with Disabilities or YAWDs Band rendered an intermission number that amazed the audience.

Department of Public Works and Highways chaired this year’s celebration which has successfully ensured that all persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities in all aspects of human endeavor to make their lives more meaningful and more productive. ###By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II