The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with its attached agency, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and partner organization, the Project Inclusion Network (PIN), will hold the Philippine Disability Convention and Expo on July 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention in Pasay City.

DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs, and Attached and Supervised Agencies (IAASA) Emmeline Aglipay Villar said the Philippine Disability Convention and Expo is a free event that will also showcase the talents of persons with disabilities through an art gallery and various performances.

“The DSWD prioritizes the importance of catering to the needs of all vulnerable sectors, including persons with disabilities. Thus, we partnered with the concerned agencies, non-government organizations, and other partners from the private sector to bring social services, employment and educational opportunities, as well as assistive technologies closer and conveniently available to them in one place  through the Philippine Disability Convention and Expo,” Undersecretary Villar said on Sunday (July 14).

According to Usec. Villar, the Expo will also serve as a “one-stop shop”, enabling businesses run by and for persons with disabilities to showcase their products and services.

“Exhibitors from government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector are also present, which will provide services, products and job opportunities for persons with disabilities,” the DSWD official said.

The 3-day event will also provide capacity building and learning sessions for Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs) in local government units (LGUs) to enable them to better cater to the needs of persons with disabilities in their respective localities.

The Philippine Disability Convention and Expo will serve as a pre-event to jumpstart the festivities for the “National Disability Rights Week” on July 17 to 23, with the theme, “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access.”#