The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), will lead the celebration of the 36th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week from July 17-23.
With the theme, “NDPR 2014: Talino at Paninindigan: Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran”, the NDPR Week highlights government’s efforts to address issues affecting persons with disabilities (PWDs) and at the same time recognize their role in nation building.
The theme encourages PWDs to be determined in using their God-given talents and knowledge to be successful in their chosen fields of endeavour.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman assured that PWDs are not left behind in the country’s journey to inclusive growth by benefitting from various programs and services of the Department.
Under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, as of June 28, a total of 209,191 families with PWD-members are included in the program.
Other DSWD programs for PWDs are Tuloy Aral Walang Sagabal (TAWAG), Early Detection, Prevention, and Intervention of Disability (EDPID), Comprehensive Program for Children/Persons with Disabilities, and Substitute Family Care Service at the different residential centers in Regions I, III, VII, IX, and NCR.
DSWD also offers livelihood training, capital assistance, and employment to PWDs through its Rehabilitation Sheltered Workshop.
“We should always ensure that PWDs have regular access to social protection programs. At the same time, we should respect, promote, and protect their dignity, rights, and welfare. PWDs have the same rights as others. They must be able to enjoy these on an equal basis with non-PWDs,” Sec. Soliman emphasized.
To drumbeat the week long celebration, various activities are lined up such as wreathlaying ceremony at the Mabini Bust in Pasay City, fora, exhibits, fun games, musical play, sports tournament, mass, and the launching of the Apolinario Awards.
Proclamation No.361 declares the third week of July as NDPR Week culminating on the birthdate of the sublime paralytic, Apolinario Mabini, on July 23. ###
