BOAC, Marinduque– Some 400 participants attended the closing ceremony for the National Disability and Rehabilitation Prevention (NDPR) Week Celebration, held at the Provincial Convention Center, last August 1, 2014.

The event was spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MiMaRoPa in partnership with the Provincial Government of Marinduque and various National Government Agencies (NGAs).

“Malaki po ang suporta na ibinibigay ng aming pamunuan sa mga kababayan nating may kapansanan,” said Congresswoman Gina Reyes, adding “isa ring magandang adhikain ang pagsasama-sama ng iba’t-ibang ahensya para isulong ang karapatan ng mga Persons With Disability (PWD).”

DSWD is one of the frontrunners in upholding the rights and privileges of PWDs. According to the Chief of DSWD MiMaRoPa’s Protective Services Unit, Purificacion Ariola, it is “very important that all NGAs and concerned stakeholders converge for the provision of programs and services for the PWDs.” She further added that DSWD is closely working with its partners in order to strengthen the implementation of projects for the PWDs.

The “One-Stop Shop Clinic” setup by the Department of Health (DOH) helped in the registration of PWDs through their online system.

Nelia de Jesus, Head of the National Council for Disability Affairs reinforced the fact that the rights of PWDs are as equally important as everyone else’s. “Hindi sila naiiba sa atin, lahat tayo ay may karapatan, at naniniwala ang NCDA na malaki ang kayang ibahagi ng mga kababayan nating may kapansanan.”

The Local Government Unit of Marinduque distributed brand new wheelchairs and crutches to chosen beneficiaries through the help of Governor Carmencita Reyes. A cash grant was also allocated for PWDs who attended the event.

NDPR is regularly held celebration led by DSWD. This year’s theme “Talino at Paninindigan ng Taong May Kapansanan: Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran,” promotes the talents and skills of PWDs as a catalyst for success. ### Dwight Y. Macabuhay