Under Proclamation No. 597, Series of 2024, the DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas joins the nation in commemorating the 47th National Disability Rights Week, observed July 17 to 23, 2025. The regional celebration officially kicked off on July 18, 2025, at SM Seaside City Cebu.
Held in partnership with the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA), this year’s celebration carried a theme, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together.”
The celebration began with an inclusivity parade around the mall, promoting the joint advocacy campaign with SM Seaside, #InclusivePilipinas, to raise awareness among mallgoers and retail establishments. The parade was actively participated in by members of the RCDA, Regional Federation of Persons with Disabilities, Local Government Unit, and various civil society organizations across the region.
To further raise awareness and enhance accessibility to available services, RCDA conducted a caravan of services. RCDA member agencies offered free consultations, distributed informational materials, and delivered direct services that support persons with disabilities.
Teresita T. Signe, Secretary of the RFPWD and President of the PWD Federation in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, emphasized how the annual celebration continues to create a meaningful impact on the lives of persons with disabilities, not just within her local community but throughout the region.
The kickoff program also featured stage performances by talented persons with disabilities.
Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to inclusive development and highlighted the ongoing challenges in building an inclusive society. “We need to be creative and innovative in our approach to addressing the challenges faced by the sector. We must bring them into a future where they are not only seen and heard, but most importantly, considered,” Director Lucero stated.
DSWD Field Office 7 continues to call on everyone to stand in solidarity with the disability community and to actively support efforts that promote inclusion and accessibility through innovative programs and services designed for persons with disabilities.
According to the latest data from the National Council on Disability Affairs, there are 127,189 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the region—60,789 are female and 66,400 are male.
Disability-sensitive
Margie D. Pinton, the DSWD 7 Focal Person for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, shared that the Department regularly conducts disability-sensitivity training to strengthen its advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities.
“In championing this sector, we recognize our full responsibility as civil servants. That is why we equipped our employees and personnel with practical tools to be both sensitive toward persons with disabilities, not just in the workplace but in society as a whole,” she said.
She added that through this, DSWD 7 aims to cultivate a disability-sensitive culture within the organization, ensuring that everyone engages with the disability community with respect, understanding, and genuine care.
DSWD 7 reports that there are 12 identified as persons with disabilities, comprising 1% of the total workforce of the Department in Region 7.
PWD training facility
The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II, located along Camomot-Franza Road in Brgy. Labangon, Cebu City, offers free training and support services designed to help PWDs gain skills and find good employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
A lineup of activities is scheduled in observance of the celebration, including the search for Mr. and Ms. National Disability Rights 2025, now in its 7th year. ###