DSWD joins celebration of 32nd NDPR week

Tuguegarao City (28 July) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field office here spearheaded the multi-agency observance of the 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week on July 17-23, 2010.

The activity aimed to stimulate public awareness on disability issues and concerns that will strengthen the involvement of the different government and non-governmental organizations including cause-oriented groups, civil society, self-help groups of persons with disabilities, the academe, professional groups and societies, local government units, business sector, the media and other entities of the society.

Carrying the theme “Sa Istrukturang Accessible, Lahat ay Able”, the week-long celebration was opened with a motorcade bearing the streamers around Tuguegarao City proper which was participated by the different partner agencies, regional committee on disability affairs and non-government organizations afterwhich, a holy mass was held at the Tuguegarao Cathedral.

A talent show dubbed as PWDs Got Talent was conducted on July 22, 2010 showcasing the talented Persons with Disabilities or group of PWDs highlighted the celebration. PWDs show off their talents in singing, dancing on wheels and acting.

DSWD Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia in his welcome remarks stressed the importance of the celebration for it is an avenue for PWDs to be integrated into the mainstream of society. “We should make ourselves accessible to our PWDs in addressing their needs and likewise let us recognize their valuable contributions in nation-building,” Director Garcia stressed.

Meanwhile, other activities were also conducted as part of the event. Among these were medical/dental miaare and ssion for the PWDs conducted by the Provincial Health Office, symposium on the rights and rehabilitation of the PWDs attended by the Katipunan ng mga May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas (KAMPI) officers and members, strategic planning workshop for the PWD Regional Federation Officers spearheaded by the DSWD Field Office 02 and ambilyn photo exhibits headed by TESDA Region 02.

Department of Public Works and Highways chaired the 32nd year observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week which was successfully ensured that all persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities in all aspect of human endeavor to make their lives meaningful and productive. (Angely-DSWD/Oliver-PIA)