Hundreds of students from kinder to elementary level students on Wednesday gathered, performed stage plays recounting the story of Apolinario Mabini, the great paralytic that was considered the brain of the Katipunan in line with the culmination day of the 47th National Persons with Disability Rights Week held at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, Bangkal Davao City.
The celebration which set on the day birthday of Mabini started with a 21-gun-salute and was soon followed by the wreath laying ceremony.
In line with event, The Grade 6 students performed a play portraying the life and sacrifice of the national hero.
City Social Welfare and Development Office – Persons with Disabilty Affairs Office Head, Atty. Redendo Martinez in a speech during the event extended his heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support in commemoration of Apolinario Mabini’s birthday which coincides with the culmination of the National Disability Rights Week.
Martinez said that Mabini rose to become the brains of the revolution and beacon of intellectual prowess despite his physical challenges and the hero remains an icon for Filipinos with disability.
“His life served as a testament to the fact that disability is not a barrier to contributing meaningfully to the society. Just as Mabini championed the rights and aspiration of the Republic, we too are dedicated to championing the rights, dignity, full participation of every Filipino with disability.,” Martinez said in his speech.
He added that the NDR Week have been a powerful reminder of the collective progress of the advocay on PWD rights and the challenge that lies ahead.
With this Martinez enjoined everyone to be inspired with Mabini’s courage and strength.
“Let Mabini spirit ignite within each of us our renewed commitment to building and inclusive society where every person regardless of ability has equal opportunity to thrive contribute and realize our potential. Together, let us continue to uphold the principles of equality and justice that Mabini so bravely fought for. Let us be supportive, encouraging and inclusive in our endeavors ensuring that no one is left behind,” Martinez said.
Part of the culmination of the NDR week is the one-stop-shop services for the Persons with Disabilities at NCCC Victoria Plaza which provided various services to PWDs.
It was participated in by the City Social Welfare and Development Office – Persons with Disability Affairs Office (CSWDO-PDAO), Agdao Multipurpose Cooperative, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), LPA Ambulatory & Cosmetic Surgery, Inc., UCCP Special Concerns, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Pag-IBIG Fund, City Health Office (CHO), Davao Jubilee Foundation, and the Davao City Special Needs Intervention Center (DCSNIC).
The 47th PWD Rights Awareness Week kicked off with a reading of the proclamation last July 14. The weeklong celebration was well participated by various PWD groups and also in collaboration with local and national government offices which are the standing partners of the City Government of Davao in advocating PWDs welfare. CIO