By Lora Mae Bargamento, Davao Today Intern
DAVAO CITY – The search is on for The Outstanding PWD in Mindanao 2015 which aims to commend persons with disability (PWD) who serve as role models to other PWDs.
The event is in line with the 37th Celebration of National Disability Preventions and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week initiated by the non-government organization (NGO) Behind the Rolling Chair, in partnership with BBMC Project Support the Employment and Livelihood of PWDs (SELP).
PWD advocate Naprey Almario said the event “will be focusing on our advocates and leaders in the entire Mindanao.”
Almario said there will be eight nominees coming from different parts in Mindanao including Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Davao del Sur, Cotabato City and Davao City.
“First and foremost, he or she must have an advocacy. Each of the nominees have different (advocacies),” Almario said.
“The fact that they have fought life’s challenges, they have positive outlook in life (is) very inspiring” Almario added.
Project coordinator of BBMC Project SELP Ester Payumo said that the event will be a week long celebration.
“There will be sports fest (and) employer’s forum. We will also be having orientation for barangay captains about Executive Order 417, which protects the rights of (PWDs) and promote their welfare and development,” Payumo said.
There are also prizes that will be given to the outstanding PWD including roundtrip tickets, college scholarships, livelihood scholarships, smartphone and a lot more from participating establishments.
There will also be an exhibit featuring the portraits of the nominees with their stories and advocacy.
A Family Fun Fair is set on July 19 at the Kadayawan Hall, NCCC Mall and a musical variety show will be held on July 25 at the SM Annex.
The Commission on Elections will also conduct satellite registration for PWDs on July 25 at the SM Annex to identify PWD voters and to give them special precinct for the upcoming 2016 elections.
Behind the Rolling Chair is an NGO that focuses on helping PWD especially out of school youth, while Project SELP advocates employment and livelihood for PWDs.(davaotoday.com)
