MANILA, Philippines — To strengthen public awareness on disability issues and concerns and to encourage every Filipino to take active responsibility in the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the Department of Education are taking the lead in the observance of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week on July 17-23, 2011.

The theme “Making the Rights for Filipinos with Disabilities (Pagsasakatuparan sa mga Karapatan ng mga Taong may Kapansanan)” will focus on the inherent rights of persons with disabilities and how to develop cooperation and partnership between and among the various sectors of society to understand the issues and concerns of these people.

Inspired by our hero, Apolinario Mabini, the Sublime Paralytic whose disability did not hinder him from responding to the call for freedom of our country through his participation in the Philippine Revolution, persons with disabilities today are also working hard to be self-sufficient and to contribute to nation-building. They regard their condition not as a hindrance but as a challenge to strive much harder in order to achieve their goals. However, their efforts must be positively reinforced by providing them the rights due them: Rights to justice, education, employment, freedom of movement, freedom from exploitation and violence and equal participation in public and political life.

The highlight of this year’s celebration is the First Philippine Music Festival for Persons with Disabilities on July 23, 2011, in Quezon City. The contestants are persons with disabilities who are 15 years old and above and are from the National Capital Region, Region III and Region IV-Calabarzon.

Let us commend the efforts of the National Council on Disability Affairs in ensuring that persons with disabilities receive the rights they deserve and in providing a venue for them to showcase their talents and skills and to air their issues and concerns.