PWD participation in 2013 elections pushed in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Albay led the recent launching of the Fully Abled Nation campaign at the Capitol building here to encourage active participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in nation building and other democratic processes, in particular this coming 2013 midterm election.

The said campaign conducted nationwide is part of the three-year disability-inclusive elections program initiated by the Asia Foundation with support from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and in collaboration with public and private agencies such as the Commision on Elections (COMELEC), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and other elections-focused non-government agencies (NGOs) and local government units.

The program seeks to increase voter awareness among PWDs, promote institutional partnerships to enhance support for their participatory needs, and strengthen the capabilities of disability peoples’ organizations and NGOs supporting PWD advocacies.

Among the highlights of the said event are the updates on the status of PWDs in the region, discussed by COMELEC regional director Atty. Romeo Fortes and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) operations officer Ma. Ruthel Gigantoca.

Fortes disclosed the decline in the participation of PWDs in previous polls as shown in the result of the recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations, wherein the number of PWDs who voted in the 2012 election declined to 54 percent compared to 60 percent in 2007.

Representing the disabled people’s organizations in expressing their response and message to the said initiative are Alex Nasos of PWD Daraga Association and Arlene Satuito of Albay Federation of Persons with Disability, Inc. (AFPWD). (MAL/SAA - PIA5 Albay)



“Mini-Kasanggayahan” highlights Sorsogon’s celebration of 114th Phl Independence

By Benilda A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, June 14 (PIA) -- Sorsoganons have significantly celebrated the 114th year anniversary of Philippine Independence this year by integrating efforts and activities of various stakeholders and showcase them in a “mini-kasanggayahan (life of prosperity)” way.

“For this year, we want to leave a long-term impact to the public on the significance of celebrating Philippine Independence and how this has been revolutionized over the years,” said Col. Felix Castro, commanding officer, 903rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army and over-all working committee chair of Philippine Independence Day 2012 celebration in Sorsogon.

“Unlike the past years where we only limit our celebration through our attendance to the traditional flag raising ceremony, Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag and wreath-laying activity. This year, the local and national government agencies together with its partner agencies converged and decided to come up with a more meaningful celebration by showcasing their programs, projects and activities that would benefit the Sorsoganons,” he added.

Castro also explained that during the province’s celebration of “Kasanggayahan,” agro-industrial produce of Sorsogon are being showcased in various booths and stalls, but during this year’s four-day Philippine Independence celebration last June 9 to 12, services of each participating agencies were exhibited, that is why they called it “mini-kasanggayahan” celebration.

Among the services offered are the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) free haircut and massage; Department of Health (DoH), Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) free blood pressure check-up and first aid services; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) and Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) job fair; Technical Education Skills and Development Authority’s (TESDA) assessment, scholarships and demonstrations; Department of Education’s (DepEd) K to 12 and mother tongue-based instruction program; and Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) exhibit of Sorsogon’s best products.

Lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and other information dissemination activities by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Governor’s Office were also provided for the academe and the general public.

The Provincial Tourism Office showcased Sorsogon’s tourist destinations, conduct flyers and postcard distribution as well as free tour at the museum.

The four consecutive nights were filled with freedom concerts highlighting the city performers, Philippine National Police Band, Kaze production, Community-Based Theater Group (CBTG), Himig Kapitolyo and Royal Band.

Meanwhile, Sorsogon governor Raul R. Lee requested the city government to issue an executive order directing the government agencies, establishments, households and even the public utility vehicles to hang or display Philippine flags in their respective areas of concerns in celebrating the Philippine Independence from May 28 (National Flag Day) until June 12 (Independence Day).

This year’s theme of Philippine Independence Day celebration is “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan.” On this year also, marks the 25th anniversary of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. (BAR-PIA5 Sorsogon)