PBBM DECLARES JULY 17 TO 23 YEARLY AS NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS WEEK

The Presidential Communications Office announced on Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared July 17 to 23 every year as “National Disability Rights Week.” The move is part of the commitment of the government to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

National Disability Rights Week is for all persons with disabilities to promote respect for their inherent dignity (Photo courtesy of Manila Standard)

“The Philippines has been committed to the purpose of the UNCRPD to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity,” Marcos said.

The two-page proclamation signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, under Proclamation No. 597 it states that the President has directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), to lead, coordinate and supervise the “National Disability Rights Week.”

The NCDA was also tasked to create programs, activities, and projects for the celebration. “All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges are directed to observe the celebration. All local government units, non-government organizations, and private sectors are encouraged to observe the same.”

President Marcos emphasized in signing the law the necessity of amending Proclamations Nos. 1870 and 361 in order to align them with the goals of the UNCPRD and to promote a rights-based celebration of "National Disability Rights Week."

Proclamation No. 361 (s. 2000) designated July 23 as the end of the NDPR Week, honoring the birth of the Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini. While Proclamation No. 1870 (s. 1979) designated the third week of July as the "National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week."

Proclamation Nos. 1870 (s. 1979) and 361 (s. 2000) are repealed along with all other issuances, orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with Proclamation No. 597 according to President Marcos. 

Source: Presidential Communications Office 

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