In observance of the 44th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week, the Provincial Government of Pampanga convened the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) barangay presidents in a general assembly held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center on Wednesday, July 20.
According to Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, the week-long celebration will focus on promoting disability rights, and capacitating the PWDs to be more knowledgeable, especially on disaster preparedness.
Bearing the theme “Working with the Government in Achieving Equal Access to Education, Employment, and Livelihood towards Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities,” the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) discussed programs and opportunities aimed at improving the health, economic, and social well-being of the PWDs in the province.
“Dito, ino-orient natin sila kung paano nila maaaccess ang mga programa at serbisyo ng pamahalaang panlalawigan para sa mga PWD, gaya ng scholarship, livelihood, skills training, at health services,” said Elizabeth Baybayan, PSWD officer.
Each of the six (6) PWDs, who underwent dressmaking training, also received their transportation allowance worth P1,000 during the event.
The celebration coincided with the oath-taking of PWD Federation Officers.
“Napakahalaga nito, dahil first time na gagawin ito bilang pagtupad sa protocol ng Republic Act No. 10070, na layong pumili ng PDAO officer na siyang tututok sa mga pangangailangan ng mga PWD,” said Baybayan.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), headed by Angelina Blanco, also conducted an orientation on “Multi-hazard Preparedness Guides para sa Persons with Disabilities at Kanilang mga Tagapangalaga.”
Participants were also given Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on Multi-hazard Preparedness Guides for PWD.
“Binibigay natin ito sa kanila para maitaas natin ang kanilang kaalaman sa paghahanda sa sakuna, dahil alam naman natin na kabilang ang ating PWDs sa vulnerable sector at kulang ang kanilang kakayahan para mailigtas ang kanilang mga sarili. Gayunpaman, nagsagawa tayo ng housetagging nang sa gayon ay agaran nating matukoy kung sinu-sino ang mga kailangang bigyan ng priority kung sakaling kailanganing mag-evacuate,” said Blanco.
The celebration is pursuant to Proclamation No. 361, declaring the 3rd week of July as the NDPR Week, which shall culminate on the birthdate of the sublime paralytic, Apolinario Mabini, on the 23rd day of July every year. –Jasmine Jaso/Pampanga PIO
