“Inherent rights and dignity should be protected and upheld at all times” – Sec Gatchalian
This was the message delivered by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian last July 15 during the Philippine Disability Convention and Expo (ConEx) at the SMX Convention in Pasay City.
In a story posted at the Department’s website (July 15, 2024) , Secretary Gatchalian reiterated the need to work together through a whole-of-nation approach to create lasting transformative solutions that promote inclusivity.
“Each of us carries flaws which make us unique from others. These imperfections signify our humanness. Regardless of having cognitive or physical disability, we – as human beings – all have inherent rights and dignity that should be protected and upheld at all times,” Secretary Gatchalian said in a video message presented during the first day of the event as reported on the said post.
The Convention and Expo was an event organized by the Department through its attached agency- the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and partner organization, the Project Inclusion Network (PIN). The 3-day event showcased “one-stop shops” of products, services, and enterprises managed by and / or benefitting persons with disabilities geared towards improving their quality of life.
DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs and Attached and Supervised Agencies Emmeline Aglipay-Villar said the Convention and Expo event also served as a venue for capacity building and learning for the different local government unit’s Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs) and help these offices serve / respond to the needs of their constituents with disabilities.
The Philippine Disability Convention and Expo served as the pre-event to the “National Disability Rights Week” slated on July 17 to 23. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access.”
Read full and related stories at:
https://www.dswd.gov.ph/dswd-chief-interacts-with-persons-with-disabilities-in-expo/
Photo credit: DMS-DSWD