Philippines launches World Report on Disability
In his speech during the Congress, President Aquino emphasized the need to work hard together to gain equitable progress and inclusive growth for all Filipinos. He said that prejudices deprive people with disabilities of their rights, but most of all, deprive them of their dreams. "At the bottom line of all our administration’s efforts is the desire to guarantee equitability, to ensure the rights of one apply to the rights of all, that the opportunities given to one are the opportunities given to all, and that the consequences of one’s actions apply to the actions of all."
The President also expressed confidence of the government's initiatives through the Local Government Units which have adopted Community-based Rehabilitation strategies to empower people with disabilities by ensuring their accessibility in public and private places, providing rehabilitation and care, capacity and skills training and equal opportunities for education and livelihood.
Dr Soe affirmed the support of WHO to strengthening CBR and enhancing access to essential services to people with disabilities."WHO continually advocates for the implementation of health financing and health system initiatives in protecting people with disabilities and ensuring universal health care," he said. He further challenged all stakeholders to do more to break down barriers which segregate them and to provide access opportunities so they can better participate in their communities.