Simon Joins NDPR Week Celebration

The 40th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week was commemorated on July 17-23, 2018.

 

Anchored on the theme “Kakayahan at Kasanayan sa Kabuhayan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran”, this year’s celebration focused on providing persons with disabilities with access to livelihood and employment opportunities through skills and capacity development to uplift their socio-economic condition.

 

Kickoff ceremony was held on July 16, 2018 at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation. It was spearheaded by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and members of the Regional Council on Disability Affairs.

 

Persons with disabilities from all over the Bicol Region were on hand to partake in the event-filled day.

 

The opening program was held in the morning, right after the thanksgiving mass and motorcade. It featured performances by the Children’s Theater Arts Group and children with disabilities from different SPED Centers and NGOs. Ms. Erlynn Jaucian, Executive Director of SIMON, likewise shared her own inspiring story and rallied support for persons with disabilities.

 

One of the program highlights was the awarding of certificate of recognition to Jollibee-Albay, Chowking-Albay and the Provincial Government of Albay for having accessible building facilities for clients with disabilities, in compliance with the Accessibility Law (BP 344).

 

The award was presented by SIMON, in coordination with the Inter-Agency Access Audit Team composed DSWD, DPWH, DILG, DOJ, CHR, Albay Federation of PWDs, Sagrada Familia and NEDA-RDC Sectoral Representative.

 

In the afternoon, TESDA sponsored skills demonstration and free services such as massage, manicure, pedicure and haircut. Information booths were also set up by various government and non-government agencies to help address the various needs and concerns of persons with disabilities.

 

Throughout the week, SIMON worked alongside Local Government Units and Disabled People’s Organizations in carrying out different activities in the CBID areas in Albay, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes that include: Orientation on Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, PWD Got Talent, PWD Congress, medical mission, raffle draw and distribution of assistive devices.