National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week

NATIONAL Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week is celebrated on July 17-23 under the auspices of the National Council on Disability Affairs, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1870 (1979), amended by Proclamation No. 361 (2000) and Administrative Order No. 35 (2002).

The annual celebration pays tribute to approximately 15 million Filipinos with disabilities and more importantly, to honor Apolinario Mabini, the Sublime Paralytic, whose exemplary and dedicated heroic acts during the Philippine Revolution were not deterred by his disability. Mabini has become an outstanding icon for persons with disabilities (PWDs) through his great deeds for our country.

This year’s NDPR Week celebration theme is “Karapatan at Pribilehiyo ng May kapansanan: Isakatuparan at Ipaglaban!” which focuses on the realization of the fundamental freedoms and rights of PWDs as provided for in international mandates and national laws. Its primary objective is to promote and advocate the realization of their inherent rights and privileges in order to empower them and improve their plight.

The celebration will include the recitation of a Loyalty Pledge of an Advocate on the Rights of PWDs during the flag-raising ceremony of national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, and other entities on July 17. Other activities are a seminar on Governance in Health and Wellness Program for PWDs in Local Government Units; “Paligsahan ng May K sa Kasaysayan at Kultura ng Pilipinas,” a Quiz Bee-type competition for secondary students with disabilities, a seminar on drug awareness, a lecture on the lecture on the Rights to Health and Education of a Child with Disability cum Art Workshop and Developmental Games for Children with Disabilities; Cultural Show of PWDs; Seminar on raising awareness for ADHD, lupus, and rare diseases; and a wreath-laying ceremony on the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine, on July 23.

The celebration will be capped with a cultural presentation “Handog Sayawan at Kantahan” with an all PWD cast, and a fashion show of persons with disabilities, among others. Performers will come from various organizations, institutions of persons with disabilities and local government units of the National Capital Region in coordination with the VSA arts Philippines. This will be held at the SM San Lazaro, in Manila.