NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS WEEK: PROMOTING INCLUSION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR DAP

National Disability Rights Week Celebration

Proclamation No. 597, signed by President Ferdinand "Bong-bong" Marcos Jr. on June 13, 2024, declared July 17-23 as the National Disability Rights Week, which will be observed annually. With the theme “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access,” Manolo Fortich took part in the celebration through the Persons’ with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), with Mr. Renante Moradas as Officer-in-Charge.

The program proper took place at the municipal gymnasium in Barangay Tankulan on July 22, 2024, and was attended by Differently Abled Persons (DAP) from the 22 barangays of Manolo Fortich. PDAO OIC Moradas gave the opening message, acknowledging the participants as well as the guests for the first-ever National Disability Rights Week. The celebration honors the resilience of DAP in overcoming limitations and underscores the significance of fostering an environment that is more inclusive and accessible in order to guarantee their right to equal access to opportunities, resources, and all facets of society with equitable treatment.

Joining them was Sangguniang Bayan Member Committee Chairperson on Senior Citizens and PWD Coun. Miguel Demata, who showed great support to the DAP community through his legislative services. “Diha sa Sangguniang Bayan, nahatagan na nako og usa ka ordinance ang atong mga senior citizens, aduna na sila karoy pagadawaton, katong mga wala makadawat sa national, makadawat na sila karon sa local pension. Mao gihapon kini sa atong PWD, ipasaka nako na karon for 1st reading para mahatagan usab og pagtagad ang atong mga PWD. Amo nanang gi-draft sa atong kauban nga si Atty. Jay Albarece,” stated Coun. Demata, receiving applause from the DAP present. Bukidnon Disability Association Incorporation (BDAI) Federation President Samson Cañete was also at the event.

Following the program, the paragames began. As a starting point, a flag-raising race was held, with the Barangay Tankulan representative winning. Following that were the wheelchair race and basketball. The MF PDAO invited guest players from the municipalities of Maramag, Misamis Oriental, and Valencia City to play “Basketball on Wheels” in which all the participants are DAPs who use wheelchairs, and Maramag was hailed as champions. While the shot put and javelin throw were conducted at Manolo Fortich Central Elementary School's track and field, table tennis and chess were played in the municipal gymnasium.

Among the attendees was Marie Ann, a resident of Barangay Tankulan who suffers from sporadic attacks caused by a neurological disorder. “Thankful kaayo ko kay naay ingon ani nga matagaag importansya ang mga PWD. Hilabina sa sports kay ganahan ko mag-volleyball kay exercise napud, ug di pod kaayo ko ga-atakehon og magdula ko.” Sports is one of the many ways that makes the DAP community feel included despite hindrances caused by their disabilities, may it be visible or invisible. With the support of the Local Government of Manolo Fortich as well as the inclusive environment it promotes, the DAP community will undoubtedly flourish and will prove to be more able than assumed.