BY ARIEL JAMES P. MERO & KIRSON CASTAÑOS/DSSC Intern
THE 21ST City Council has officially passed a resolution on Tuesday expressing full support for the 48th observance of the National Disability Rights Week, scheduled from July 17 to 23, 2026.
In his privilege speech, Councilor Enzo Villafuerte said the city recognizes the invaluable contributions of its PWDs.
“This serves as an opportunity to raise awareness toward discrimination and to foster a more inclusive society where PWD have full participation in terms of social, cultural, economic, and political life,” Villafuerte said in his privilege speech.
This year’s celebration centers around the “Forward Strategy, Action for Equal Participation and Inclusive Development,” aiming to break down societal barriers and foster a more equitable community.
“Those who are less in life must be more in law,” said Atty. Redendo Martinez, head of the PWD Affairs Office, highlighting the fundamental pillar of social justice guiding this year’s initiatives.
Martinez expressed profound gratitude for the local ordinances that continue to transform their lives, including comprehensive rights, privileges, and special employment programs for deaf and disabled persons.
Other existing city-led benefits heavily lauded by the community include free movie access for PWDs every Monday and the highly anticipated annual financial assistance subsidy.
The official calendar of activities kicks off on July 17 with the hanging of the official streamer and a formal opening ceremony at Rizal Park from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In the afternoon of the opening day, the local government will host the launch of the PWD annual financial assistance subsidy.
On July 18, specialized talent and sports competitions for PWDs will be held at Barangay Kabanding and Kamantian Elementary School to encourage active grassroots engagement.
A week-long PWD product display will officially open on July 20 at Rizal Park, running alongside a ribbon-cutting ceremony and seminars focused on entrepreneurship and health wellness updates.
July 20 will also feature a special birthday celebration and free play activities for July celebrants with autism, sponsored by local advocates.
July 21, the city will host a comprehensive one-stop-shop caravan service for PWDs alongside a dedicated medical mission, health literacy giveaways, and free massage services.
Educational seminars covering organizational juridical personality, accreditation, and market readiness for small and medium enterprises will take place on July 22.
The celebration will conclude on July 23 with a dynamic culmination program featuring a poster-making contest and a “Sayawitan” showcase.
