3rd International Day for PWDs Celebration Highlights

By: Cristine Republica, ASP Trainee

The 3rd International Day for Persons with Disabilities was celebrated at Skydome, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City, last December 3, 2010. ASP joined hands with 1,200- strong PWD Sector Groups in “KEEPING THE PROMISE”.

Participants from different areas in National Capital Region plus the nearby areas like Bulacan, Cavite and Tarlac.

“KEEPING THE PROMISE” Mainstreaming Disability in the Millennium Development Goals,” is 2010’s theme for the International PWD Day. ASP was represented by Peng So (Vice President), Evelyn Go (Treasurer), Ranil Sorongon (Executive Director), Carmel Almendrala (Trustee), Ging Viado (Trustee) and Lilia Taroy (President of ASP Commonwealth Chapter) and ASP members.

The original plan to hold an Opening Ceremony at the Malacañang Palace did not push through due to President Aquino’s previous appointment. This however, did not hamper the enthusiasm of participants from the National Capital Region: Quezon City, Valenzuela, Malabon, San Juan, Las Piñas, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Makati, Rizal, Morong, Tanay and San Mateo; including those from as far as Cavite, Bulacan and Tarlac. PWD Leaders and AKAP-Pinoy (Alyansa ng may Kapansanang Pinoy) members actively participated in the event.

Everybody cheered when Eng. Bien Mateo, Chair of SM Committee on Disability Affairs said in his welcome remarks: “Binubuksan po namin ang lahat ng pinto ng SM Supermalls para sa lahat ng PWDs, sa buong Pilipinas!” SM Supermalls has been supporting endeavors of ASP and other PWD organizations, by hosting various activities.

Pastor Rico Domingo and Atty. Jessica S. Magbanua moderators of the Lay Forum on RA 9442.

A welcome news for the PWDs is the latest resolution from the 11th Division of the Court of Appeals, lifting the suspension of the implementation of NCDA (National Council of Disability Affairs) Administrative Order No. 1 or the guidelines on issuance of PWD IDs; which is now enforceable nationwide. This was discussed during the Lay Forum on RA 9442, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, courtesy of Atty. Jessica S. Magbanua and co-moderator Pastor Rico Domingo.

ASP Dream Girls- Vell, Nica and Thara transcends to "Professional Level Performance"

The ASP Dream Girls- Vell Barria, Nica Escasiñas and Thara-Marie Santiago, wowed the crowd with their powerful rendition of a Lady Gaga-inspired medley. Some even commented that the ASP Dream Girls have transcended into “a professional level”. All thanks to the tutelage of Trustee Ging Viado and Voice Coach Jenzen Turica.

The 3rd International PWD Day Celebrations was a huge success. And we congratulate everyone for their hard work and solidarity. Click here to read more about the event.

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