July 17-23 of every year marks the commemoration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week. This aims primarily to stimulate public awareness on the issues and problems of disability, thereby encouraging every citizen of the country to take active in the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of the Persons with Disability (PWD’s)in our society.

DSWD Director Arnel Garcia said that the theme “Building on Inclusive and Non-Handicapping Environment for Persons with Disabilities” promotes the principle and concepts relevant to disability inclusive development and also extends to advocate for the mainstreaming of disability agenda in all government agencies, non-government organizations, civil society and the public in general.

Spearheaded by the Regional Council on Disability Affairs(RCDA), the NDPR week celebration was kicked-off by an econometrical celebration and an opening program with 307 participants from various GO’s, NGO’s, SPED students, teachers and member agencies of the RCOA.

A Legal Aid Clinic was also organized which serves as venue for the PWD’s and other members of the community to raise questions, issues and complains relative to the implementation of laws pertaining to persons with disability.

Sponsored by DOLE Bicol was the conduct of Capacity Building Enhancement Seminar for Differently Able Group and Coordinators.

The weeklong celebration was culminated by the conduct of Access Audit on the facilities of the Legazpi City terminal and posting of accessibility stickers at the public utility vehicles. This was done by the members of the RCDA.

The culmination of the week’s celebration is July 23, the birth date 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 Spanish colonization.  ###eejerusalem