To stimulate public awareness on disability issues and concerns, the Department of Social Welfare & Development Field Office 02 together with other agencies observed the 36th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week which is being celebrated from July 17-23, 2014.
With the theme “Talino at Paninindigan ng Taong May Kapansanan: Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran”, the week-long celebration kicked-off with a Kalesacade around Tuguegarao City proper on July 17, 2014.
The parade was followed by a Holy Mass and an opening program to officially commence the festivity held at Mamba Gymnasium, Cagayan National High School, this city.
Partners from the different sectors and the members of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) were present during the activity which highlighted on the promotion and protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as well with their significant contribution in economic growth and nation building.
INSPIRING OTHERS
In his message, Mr. Benjamin A. Banatao, Special Investigator III of Commission on Human Rights Regional Office II, and who was also the keynote speaker, encouraged PWDs not to lose hope and be assertive of their rights despite their weakness.
“I inspire you to rise up with renewed hope and strength to live your life to the fullest in spite of your infirmity, so that those around us who are physically complete shall be amazed beholding the joy and peace within us, despite our physical disability,” he added.
Banatao was a Polio victim at the age of four, but that did not stop him from pursuing his dreams. He is now an accomplished man, balancing his life as an active advocate for the rights of PWDs and as a doting family man.
PWDs GOT TALENT
Another highlight of the program was the showcase of talents among the PWDs. Students from the Dinggin Ka Learning Center of University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT) and New Life For Kids displayed their vocal prowess and dancing skills.
Simultaneous with the event was the Kalesa Painting Contest wherein USLT bagged 1st and 2nd place, and the University of Cagayan Valley won 3rd place respectively.
The new set of Federation Officers of PWDs of Tuguegarao was also inducted.
Moreover, the Field Office as represented by Mrs. Lucia S. Alan, Social Welfare Officer V and Head of the Protective Services Unit and the Local Government Unit of Tuguegarao through its City Social Welfare and Development Office also awarded assistive devices like cane and wheelchair to identified PWD recipient.
“It’s really important to harness more support from the different stakeholders in order to further promote and protect the rights and welfare of PWDs. Through this, we can help the PWDs showcase their wit and skills despite their disabilities,” Alan said.
Aside from the Kalesa Painting Contest, this year’s celebration also has a Documentary Film Competition which will be participated in by the different tertiary institutions in the region. ###By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II