The Quezon Provincial Government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), led by Acting PSWDO Head Norliza N. Labitigan, celebrated the 48th National Disability Rights Week on July 23 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, alongside Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from various municipalities and cities across the province.
The event, with the theme “Rights First, Legislation Forward: Strategic Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development,” aimed to recognize the important role and contributions of people with disabilities in society while also promoting their rights, welfare, and equal access to education, livelihood opportunities, healthcare, and other essential services.
During the event, outstanding para-athletes from Quezon Province were honored for their achievements on the international stage. Honorees included Jesebel T. Suarez, who won the Women’s Javelin Throw event; Mary Joy E. Hernandez, who competed in Women’s 5×5 Wheelchair Basketball; and Michael Bayani, who competed in Para-Cycling. The athletes proudly represented the Philippines in the ASEAN Para Games, which were held overseas.
The celebration also included Abilympics competitions such as a Quiz Bee on PWD Rights and Laws, PWD Advocacy Pubmat/IEC Material Contest, Sing-Along Song Interpretation Using Creative Filipino Sign Language (FSL), and T-Shirt Design Contest. These activities highlighted the participants’ talents, creativity, abilities, and knowledge.
Provincial Administrator Manuel Butardo attended the event on behalf of Governor Doktora Helen Tan, as did Vice Governor Third Alcala and 2nd District Board Member Vinette Alcala-Naca, who expressed their support and delivered inspirational messages to the PWD community.
Through initiatives like this, the Quezon Provincial Government, led by Governor Helen Tan, continues to uphold its commitment to creating an inclusive and compassionate Quezon in which every citizen, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the province’s development /Lee Amion
#NationalDisabilityRightsWeek
#InclusiveQuezon
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