DAVAO City – “Building an Inclusive and Non-Handicapping Environment for Persons with Disability” is this year’s theme as the country observes the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week (NDPR) from July 17-23.

In Davao Region, local government units through the provincial/municipal/city councils on Disability Affairs spearhead the annual celebration in coordination with DSWD, NGOs, National Council on Disability Affairs, PWD Self-Help organizations and the private sector.

The Davao City celebration kicks off on July 15 with the Flag Raising Ceremonies at City Hall followed by a Motorcade. Other activities lined up include a Thanksgiving Mass at San Pablo Parish, Zumba Dance Exercise for PWDs at SM City Annex, Islamic DAWA’H Symposium, I-Speak Press Conference, Radio Guesting at DXOW and DXRP, Forum on RA 9442 at DSWD, Pag-asa Games, VIP Children Swimming Clinic, PARM M.O.V.E. RUN, Diabetic Counselling and Cholesterol Screening, Issuance of PWD Certificates and Discount Cards, and PWDs Got Talent.

Appealing to the public, Cynthia N. Umbana, DSWD focal person on PWD said, “Through all these efforts and more, we aim to continue advancing and enforcing the rights and privileges of our persons with disability (PWDs), hence we strongly encourage participation and support of the public in these endeavors and in other PWD advocacy initiatives.” DSWD