City to celebrate National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week

Davao City, through the Person with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) under the City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO), will be celebrating the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week from July 17 to 23.

PDAO Head Rafael Somozo said the weeklong celebration aims to empower differently-abled persons by encouraging them to participate in community-building activities. He said the many activities during the celebration will also showcase the skills and talents of persons with disability (PWDs) in the city.

“Mao ni ang annual activity nato para mapadayag nato aron ma-aware atong mga able-bodied people na naa silay (PWDs) mga talent nga ingana, naa silay mga abilidad (This is our annual activity which aims to let able-bodied people be aware of talents and abilities of PWDs),” he said during the I-Speak media forum on Thursday.

The celebration also falls around the birthdate of hero Apolinario Mabini who himself was disabled due to polio. Somozo said the national hero epitomizes the capabilities of PWDs despite their physical disadvantage.

The celebration will begin with a fellowship gathering at the San Pedro Social Hall on July 17. This will be followed by an art contest on July 18 at the Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights in Matina.

On July 19, a Paralympic tournament will be held at the Bago Gallera Gym. A Sayawan at Awitan Talent Show and a Health and Wellness Caravan will be held at the SM City Annex on July 20.

On July 21, a leadership training for PWD public personnel will be held, while on July 22, a legal aid caravan focusing on PWD rights and suffrage will be given at the Tambayan Center with free services such as haircut, pedicure, and massage.

The celebration will culminate with a fellowship activity at the Tambayan Center on July 23.

Somozo said the activities as well as the free services are open to everyone.

“Ginaawhag nato ang atong mga kaigsoonan nato na mga PWDs sa Davao na musalmot ta sa atong NDPR Week celebration. Dili lang mga PWD, para ni sa tanan (We are inviting our PWD brothers and sisters here in Davao to participate in our NDPR Week celebration. Not only for PWDs, this is for everyone),” Somozo said.