About 500 runners, including differently-abled persons, their families, and advocates, joined a fun run along the Gilbert Bridge here Saturday to promote inclusivity as part of the celebration of National Disability Rights Week (NDRW).
Organized by the Laoag City Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) Parents Association, in partnership with the city government of Laoag and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte Zumba group, the event sought to raise public awareness and advocate for meaningful causes.
Kristoffer “King” Raymund Medina, officer in charge of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the city government, said in an interview that the fun run not only aims to foster inclusivity but also promotes physical fitness and encourages community engagement, particularly among persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their families.
“We continue to organize events like this, which aims to reduce prejudice and promote the acceptance and empowerment of our PWDs to eliminate stigma, discrimination, and exclusion,” he said, adding that laws promoting diversity and equality for PWDs must be respected and observed.
Organizers said part of the proceeds of the activity would finance the therapy of children with disability.
On June 19, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared July 17-23 as National Disability Rights Week through Proclamation 597, affirming the country’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Medina noted that even before the proclamation, the Laoag PDAO has been reaching out to an estimated 2,500 PWDs in the barangays to make sure they have full access to facilities and services meant for them.
The Laoag City PDAO offers different programs and services for PWDs, among them the provision of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and walking aids, as well as hygiene kits and food packs.
Aside from the fun run, skills training on food processing and a medical mission were offered in time for the NDRW celebration.
The Commission of Elections also facilitated a weeklong voter registration for PWDs, which ends on Saturday. (PNA)
