The 32nd National Disability Preventive and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week was celebrated nationwide last July 16-24 with the theme: “Sa Istrakturang Accessible, Lahat ay Able.”
The Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao is a regular partner of this advocacy these past years for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to gain access to more opportunities through its participation in the Kakayahan Fair and Exhibit hosted by SM Mall.
The Club joined the opening ceremony last July 19 where the City Government through the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities and Kakayahan ng may Kapansanan Foundation awarded a Certificate of Recognition to the Club for its continuing support to the community development (livelihood) program of ADAP Village in Indangan.
The next activity last July 20 was the first-time ever Forum on the Rights of Women with Disabilities given by Ms. Lorna Mandin, of the City’s Integrated Gender and Development Office (IGDO). Among the concerns raised were some PWDs experiencing various forms of abuses and how and where to report it.
The following Day, July 21, was the Career Day for the Youth with Disabilities where the Club co-produced a skills demo and exhibit showcasing their IT and graphic arts skills to advocate and encourage more youth to gain access to these types of skills. The Rotaract Club of MKD also participated in the said activity.
In the afternoon, the club hosted in partnership with the Davao Medical Society (DMS) and the Philippine Association of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) a Health Forum which focused on wellness, diabetes and rehabilitation medicine. This was followed by medical check-ups on silip-tenga, silip mata, diabetes, muscle-related ailments and blood sugar screening.
These activities were participated in by PWDs and their families as well as the members of the club led by Dir. Luchi Aportadera, herself a rehab medicine practitioner, president Rose Yngente, AG Malou Jacinto, PDS Gio McKay, past president Dr. Veg Maguinsay, Dir. Maribel Chua, Rtn. Che Gomez, Dir. Jannette Valderosa, and Sec. Christine Diaz.
Serving the PWDs will be a continuing year-round activity for the Club especially in facilitating that more agencies and groups will respond to their needs to gain access to opportunities due them.
