As a state policy enshrined in Proclamation No. 1870, the 34th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week is commemorated on July 17 to 23.
It aims primarily to stimulate public awareness on the issues and problems of disability, thereby encouraging every citizen of the country to take active responsibility in the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of persons with disabilitis (PWDs).
It culminates on the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” whose bravery and heroic acts during the Philippine Revolution of 1896 has greatly influenced his compatriots in fighting against the tyrants who ruled the Philippines despite his disability. The declaration has been proclaimed also in his honor as an outstanding icon of PWDs.
This year’s theme is Mainstreaming PWD in Economic Development.
Different groups working for and with PWs in Negros Oriental, specifically The Great Physician Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. (GPRehab), the Dumaguete City Handicapped Association, and the Ten Outstanding Persons with Disabilities in Negros Oriental Alumni Community, have set activities geared towards making the NDPR Week celebration a meaningful activity for the community.
July 11-18, Robinsons Place Main Atrium, Exhibit for Disability
July 17 at 3pm, Dumaguete Cathedral Church, Thanksgiving Mass. At 4pm, Walk for Disability. At 5pm, Quezon Park, NDPR Week Opening Activity.
July 18-19, GPRehab Center, PWD Livelihood Training: Cooking and Massage.
July 18 at 9am, Dumaguete City Women’s Center, Kapihan sa PIA: Mainstreaming PWD in Economic Development. At 1pm, Bethel Guest House, Panel discussion on Mainstreaming PWD Issues in Community Development. At 3pm, Dumaguete City Jail, PWD Community Immersion: Jail Visitation.
July 19, at 8:30am, Quezon Park, Therapeutic Massage.
July 18-23,Valencia Plaza, Aerobics for Disability
July 20 at 1pm, Dumaguete City Women’s Center, Convention of PWD. Also at 1pm, Silliman University, NDPR Quiz Bowl, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Poster Making Contests for Elementary and High School Students.
July 21, Cangmating Beach Resort, PWD Recollection and Fun Day
July 22 at 5pm, Quezon Park, PWD Tayada sa Plaza
July 23 at 7:30am, Quezon Park, NDPR Closing Activity and Wreath Laying Ceremony for Apolinario Mabini. At 10am,Robinsons Place Main Atrium, Paugnat sa Kusog alang sa PWD (Basketball and Volleyball). On the same day, Dumaguete Women’s Center, Congress for Children with Disabilities.
In addition,Education students from the different academic institutions in Dumaguete have also set activities which aim at raising the awareness in the academe about disability issues.
“It is good to note that different groups in the community, especially the government, have expressed commitment in working with us for the NDPR Week celebration. However, the challenge is how to make this commitment sustain in the years to come,” expressed Philip Vilos, a PWD. (PR)
