CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) – Advocates and leaders of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Central Luzon renewed their call for inclusive policies, permanent Disability Affairs Officers and sustained livelihood and education programs during the Regional Celebration of 47th National Disability Rights Week.
Spearheaded by the Central Luzon Federation of Persons with Disabilities (CLFPWD) in partnership with the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA), the event gathered stakeholders from across the region to advocate the theme, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together.”
CLFPWD President Mary Ann Zamora emphasized the significance of the event in asserting the rights of PWDs, noting the recent shift from the term rehabilitation to rights, in accordance with Proclamation No. 597, Series of 2024.
“The purpose of this celebration is to inform the entire community, the government, private sectors, that people with disabilities have rights. This is not a pity. This is the responsibility of the state,” Zamora said.
She also mentioned the need for continuous networking with government agencies due to absence of an internal federation budget.
“We do not have our own funds. But we are continuously working with agencies. We are strengthening our ranks to continue our advocacy for the livelihood, jobs, and talents of PWDs ,” she added.
Zamora further expressed concern over the limited access to higher education for deaf/ hard of hearing students in the region, noting that most of them are forced to travel to Manila for sign-language inclusive programs.
Meanwhile she cited the discontinued peer counseling and independent living training under the Department of Health (DOH), which she said had been instrumental in restoring confidence and emotional healing among PWDs, especially those who acquired disabilities later in life.
“I hope this can be brought back. This is one of the biggest helpers in changing the perspective of PWDs on themselves and their life,” she said.
As funding remains a key challenge, the CLFPWD continues to rely on partnerships with agencies and stakeholders to sustain its advocacy.
The celebration affirms a region-wide commitment to building inclusive communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of development and dignity for all. (MJSC/MAGP, PIA Region 3-Pampanga GIP)
