DSWD spearheads Natl Disability Rights Week

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will lead the observance of the inaugural National Disability Rights Week from July 17 to 23, pursuant to the proclamation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The occasion promotes a rights-based approach to increasing awareness of the condition of people with disabilities.

«The reason why we advocated for it to be a National Disability Rights Week is for us to empower our persons with disabilities and to be in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,» Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna said in a statement on Friday.

The DSWD will work with the National Council on Disability Affairs in presenting this year's celebration titled «Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access.»

The Philippine Disability Convention and Expo from July 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention in Pasay City will mark the start of the festivities.

«This is what we call the whole-of-society approach, where government and nongovernment organizations come together. Because when the government and the private sector collaborate, this is what is really done; it becomes good and appropriate to the needs of the vulnerable sectors,» Fallarcuna said.