Published on: August 20, 2023 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX demonstrated a strong dedication to promoting inclusivity during the then-concluded Persons with Disabilities Affairs Officers (PDAO) Summit. This important gathering occurred at One Cecilia Building, Santiago, Pagadian City last July 27, 2023, as an integral component of the National Disabilities Prevention and Rehabilitation Week 2023. It served as a vital forum where LGU PDAO Officers could collaborate and share insights on raising awareness and implementing best practices. 

𝗔 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆  

The inauguration of the summit began with a compelling address by Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III, the Regional Director of DILG IX. In his speech, he emphasized the significance of working towards a society that embraces inclusivity. He proposed that assessing progress should go beyond merely eliminating discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs); it should involve ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to equal opportunities. RD Abutazil highlighted that genuine progress is achieved when society allows every individual, including PWDs, to engage actively, make contributions, and even assume leadership positions. 

𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲

The summit included a series of informative sessions with the objective of empowering LGU PDAO Officers and nurturing inclusivity:

Session 1: Legal Rights – Led by Teddy Kahil, Senior Officer of the National Disabilities Affairs Office, this session illuminated the legal rights of PWDs, ensuring that attendees were well-informed about the protections and opportunities available to the community.

Session 2: Responsibilities of PDAO Officers – OIC-PPDAO Miriam C. Acosta-Llanos delved into the crucial duties of PDAO Officers, underscoring their pivotal role in championing the rights of PWDs within their respective communities. 

Session 3: Exemplary Practices from CPDAO – Isabela City – CPDAO Gemma C. Paculio presented the “Be Me Feel Me” initiative, which encompassed a broad spectrum of programs, ranging from livelihood skills training to immediate medical assistance and sign language instruction, all designed to uplift PWDs in Isabela City. 

𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Paculio also drew attention to several inventive projects pioneered by CPDAO – Isabela City. These include “KALAMANI,” a program designed to foster esntrepreneurship, “DG-TECH,” which provides advanced software expertise, and “Pan ni Dadah,” an initiative aimed at teaching culinary and sewing skills. Furthermore, she presented “Veggie Bites,” an agricultural program that empowers PWDs to generate a stable income through the cultivation of vegetables for a distinctive burger. 

Paculio fervently emphasized the necessity for ongoing assistance to persons with disabilities, underlining the significance of them recognizing and valuing the help extended to them. She stated, “Continue and pagtulong at ma appreciate nila ang pagtulong natin sa sarili natin, persons with determination.”

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

One of the most emotionally touching parts of the summit occurred during the session that focused on success stories. Exceptional individuals like Jethro P. Marzado, Nova Mae Aranas, and Chena Mae Alagon graciously recounted their paths to conquering obstacles and embracing opportunities. 

Jethro P. Marzado, recipient of the 2023 National IT Challenge Award, emphasized how the support from PDAO had enabled him to realize his aspirations despite encountering discrimination. His triumph in the National IT Challenge in Manila served as strong evidence of the capabilities possessed by individuals with disabilities. 

Nova Mae Aranas, who also received the 2023 National IT Challenge Award, shared her journey of going from a shy individual to taking on the role of president for the Zamboanga del Sur Youth with Disabilities, an advocacy she now leads. Her remarkable achievements have led to her being chosen as the Philippines’ representative for the Global IT Challenge in Abu Dhabi. She calls upon everyone to come together and engage actively in the process of nation-building. 

Chena Mae Alagon conveyed a heartfelt instance of her overcoming her fears, together with those who had faith in her capabilities. These tales of achievement shone a light on the unyielding determination of individuals with disabilities when provided with the appropriate opportunities and encouragement. 

𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲: 𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆

The summit came to an end with a closing statement from DILG IX Local Government Capacity Development Division Assistant Division Chief, Marione Paul V. Paner, reaffirming DILG IX’s dedication to inclusivity and underlining that the path to a more inclusive society is continuous and demands a collaborative endeavor.

The 2023 PDAO Summit, orchestrated by DILG IX, marked a crucial milestone in nurturing inclusiveness and bolstering the empowerment of PWDs in Zamboanga Peninsula. As we contemplate this gathering, it underscores the notion that a genuinely inclusive society is characterized by the meaningful contributions of every individual, irrespective of their capabilities, towards the enhancement of our communities and our nation.