Marcos declares July 17 to 23 National Disability Rights Week
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has declared July 17 to 23 as National Disability Rights Week.
In Proclamation No. 597 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 13, Marcos directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the National Council on Disability Affairs, to supervise the National Disability Rights Week.
The council was also tasked with identifying the programs, activities, and projects for the celebration.
Marcos also directed all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, state universities, and colleges, to observe the celebration.
All local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sectors were also encouraged to observe the same.
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to the Presidential Communications Office in a statement on Wednesday, the move is part of the commitment of the government to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Article continues after this advertisementMarcos said the Philippines has been committed to the purpose of the UNCRPD, which is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, as well as to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
In signing the law, Marcos also cited the need to amend Proclamations No. 1870 and 361 “to be consistent with the purpose of the UNCPRD and to promote a rights-based approach on National Disability Rights Week.
Proclamation No. 1870 (s. 1979) declared the third week of July as National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week, while Proclamation No. 361 (s. 2000) declared July 23 as the culmination of the NDPR Week, also commemorating the birth of Apolinario Mabini.
“Proclamation Nos. 1870 (s. 1979) and 361 (s. 2000) are repealed along with all other issuances, orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with Proclamation No. 597,” the newly-signed proclamation read.
