July 17, 2014 Zamboanga City – In celebration of the 36th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office IX participated in the kick-off motorcade and short program  organized by the National Council on Disability Affairs held at Zamboanga City Coliseum Tetuan, Zamboanga City on July 17, 2014.

This year’s program was led and sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs Region IX and was participated by multiple schools and national government agencies to support the advocacy on the importance of honouring and empowering persons with disabilities for them to attain economic independence.

In his message, DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Administration Mr. Riduan Hadjimuddin, underscored that DSWD has been and will always fully support activities that are PWD-focused and sensitive as there is a strong necessity to strengthen public awareness on disability prevention and rehabilitation.

“The DSWD is always committed in firming up efforts to empower the Persons with Disability (PWD) through strengthening partnerships for a more collaborative approach in addressing prevailing issues of the PWD sector.” Hadjimuddin said.

With this year’s theme “Talino at Paninindigan ng Taong may Kapansanan  Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran”, which encourages PWDs to be determined in using their God-given talents and knowledge to be successful in their chosen fields of endeavour, the week-long celebration is supported by various sets of activities lined up. This includes Enhancements of Skills and Talents, Entrepreneurship Seminar and Training on FSL among others.

DSWD Region IX office caters to PWDs through its Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center III which is a residential care facility that promotes vocational rehabilitation through skills training and employment opportunities for eventual integration to the society.

DSWD’s Listahanan has identified more than 17,000 Persons with Disability across the region based on the 2009 Household Assessment. ###LMSM