The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to lead the Philippine delegation at the Third Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025 in Berlin, Germany, from April 2 to 3.

In a statement on Monday, Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna of the DSWD’s International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies (IAASA) said the summit will provide an avenue for member-states to demonstrate their support and commitments in upholding the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

“The DSWD is honored to represent the Philippines in this significant summit that will promote the rights of all persons with disabilities across the world. In this gathering, we will signify our government’s commitments to ensure that persons with disabilities will have access to employment, digital information and communication, accessible infrastructures, disaster risk reduction, and social protection programs, among others,” Fallarcuna said.

She emphasized that these initiatives are crucial steps toward breaking down barriers that hinder the full participation of PWDs in society.

Fallarcuna will be joined by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Walter Francis Torres; National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Glenda Relova; NCDA OIC Deputy Executive Director Dandy Victa; National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Director Ana Cañeda; Department of Health (DOH) Senior Health Program Officer Maria Cristina Raymundo; and, Department of Education (DepEd) Supervising Education Program Specialist Vic Emerson Danao.

The GDS is a triennial event that advances the rights and inclusion of PWDs through international cooperation.

This year’s event is co-hosted by the Governments of Germany and Jordan, alongside the International Disability Alliance. (PNA)