President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared July 17 to 23 of every year as the “National Disability Rights Week.” The move is part of the commitment of the government to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

In the two-page Proclamation No. 597 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on June 13, President Marcos directed the Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), to lead, coordinate and supervise the “National Disability Rights Week.”

The NCDA is also tasked to identify the programs, activities and projects for the celebration.

All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges are directed to observe the celebration. All local government units, non-government organizations, and private sectors are encouraged to observe the same.

President Marcos said the Philippines has been committed to the purpose of the UNCRPD to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

In signing the law, President Marcos highlighted the need to amend Proclamations No. 1870 and 361 to be consistent with the purpose of the UNCPRD and to promote a rights-based approach on the “National Disability Rights Week.”

Proclamation No. 1870 (s. 1979) declared the third week of July as the “National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week while Proclamation No. 361 (s. 2000) declared July 23 as the culmination of the NDPR Week, commemorating the birth of the Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini.

President Marcos said “Proclamation Nos. 1870 (s. 1979) and 361 (s. 2000) are repealed along with all other issuances, orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with Proclamation No. 597.