Northern Samar Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office

The Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PPDAO) successfully conducted the 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 on October 28–29, 2025, at Mijares Hotel.

The two-day activity aimed to strengthen the leadership capabilities and organizational direction of the federation. Mr. Glenn Tek-ing Muñez served as the Resource Speaker, sharing valuable insights on leadership, teamwork, and inclusive governance.

Participants included PDAO/PWD Focals and PWD Federation members from 24 municipalities across Northern Samar, who actively engaged in discussions and planning sessions to enhance the programs and advocacies for persons with disabilities in the province.

This event was organized in partnership with Norfil Foundation Inc., reaffirming the shared commitment to promote empowerment, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

Northern Samar’s spirit of inclusivity shines bright during the 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, where Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from across the province came together to showcase strength, resilience, and unity through sports.

Congratulations to all the participants—especially to San Roque, our overall champion, followed by Catarman and Bobon!

Together, we continue to build a province where every Nortehanon—regardless of ability—is empowered to thrive and belong.

Cheers to progress! 🙌 The Association of Persons with Disability of Northern Samar is now an accredited CSO/PO, joining 22 others on Sept. 3, 2025.

With the growing number of accredited CSOs and POs, communities gain a stronger voice in shaping policies, guiding development plans, and supporting program implementation to guarantee that quality services benefit every Nortehanon.

LOOK || Fostering Inclusivity and Strengthening Support for PWD sector

A continuing effort in building a more inclusive community, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar gathered the focal persons and members of the Persons with Disabilities sector for a collaborative discussion in observance of the National Disability Rights Celebration on August 15, 2025 at the Capitol Gym, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman.

The event, spearheaded by the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDDAO) in partnership with the Provincial Health Office and Northern Samar Public Employment Service Office, offered free medical check-up, medicines and anti-pneumonia vaccination and job skills registration for PWDs seeking employment.

This is in addition to the insightful lecture on the salient features of Republic Act 10070 or the "Act Establishing Institutional Mechanism To Ensure The Implementation Of Programs And Services For Persons With Disabilities" delivered by esteemed resource speakers, Judge Albert Yruma of MTC Pambujan and Mr. Eduardo Diaz, LGOO VI of DILG Northern Samar.

Centered on the theme, "Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,'' the gathering provided valuable opportunity for Governor Harris Ongchuan along with the OIC-PPDAO Ms. Kirsten Tobes; Hon. Leonida Laodenio, Chair of PWD Committee; Mr. Anthony Dones, President of Northern Samar League of PDAO; Mr. Glenn Munez of NORFIL Foundation Inc.; and Mr. Basilio Ogario, President of Northern Samar Federation of Persons with Disability to hear the concerns and proposed policies aired by the sector's representatives.

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar under Governor Ongchuan's leadership works hand-in-hand with partner agencies and organizations to synergize efforts in creating programs and opportunities that protect the rights, ensure the welfare, and uplift the quality of life of the marginalized sectos in Northern Samar.

source:
https://web.facebook.com/PGNS.Official/posts/pfbid0xRT3rL8ADLGv2ykc61oEWP3u1gkrgeMD96VrN4tCwTYqkobMB9P7gh73cdRtNbLTl

♿ 47th National Disability Rights Week – Provincial Celebration ♿

📅 Date: August 15, 2025
📍 Venue: Provincial Capitol Gym, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar

Though we are marking this event a month later than the national celebration, the spirit and significance of honoring the rights, dignity, and contributions of Persons with Disability (PWDs) remain just as strong. 💙💪

✨ As part of the celebration, free medical services will be available for participants.

We are inviting all PWDs in Northern Samar to join this meaningful gathering.

For those interested, please coordinate with your Municipal Persons with Disability Affairs Officer (PDAO).

Let’s come together to celebrate inclusivity, empowerment, and equal rights for all! 🌟

𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤

From 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟭𝟳 to 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟯 every year, we celebrate the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸, as declared in Presidential Proclamation No. 597 s. 2024. This year marks the 𝟰𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 with the theme, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” highlighting the importance of advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities by developing inclusive tools, technologies, and policies. As we celebrate, we aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the community. The week culminates on July 23rd, commemorating the birthday of the Sublime Paralytic—Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino revolutionary leader who dedicated his life and made significant contributions to our country.

Community involvement is crucial in addressing the issues faced by members of the community. It calls for a collective effort from all sectors of society to raise awareness of challenges like limited accessibility and social stigma that affect the lives of individuals with disabilities. With this, we urge the government to implement accessible and inclusive policies, including investing in infrastructure for individuals with disabilities, ensuring public services are accessible, and providing adequate funding for support programs. By educating ourselves, volunteering with supportive organizations, and practicing inclusivity in our workplaces and schools, we contribute to empowering the strength of the community.

Recognizing and supporting the rights of individuals with disabilities should extend beyond this week; it must become a culture of inclusivity. This is more than just a responsibility; it is a moral obligation, as they are members of our society.

“Do not underestimate persons with disabilities because they have the capabilities to create possibilities.”
- Mathilda Airlines

Caption by Lovella Baldoza
Layout by Mara Baldo

Northern Samar Proudly Hosts 5th AKAPIN Convention Organized by NORFIL and PDAO

Northern Samar proudly hosted the 5th AKAPIN Convention from May 20 to 22, 2025, organized by NORFIL Foundation in partnership with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of Northern Samar. The event brought together parent-leaders and advocates under the theme: “One Agenda, United Voices: Advocating for the Inclusion of Children with Disabilities.”

The three-day convention featured keynote speeches, chapter presentations, technical workshops, and cultural exchanges that highlighted collective efforts to support children with disabilities. Delegates from various provinces—including Bulacan, Batangan, Sugbo, Oriental Mindoro, Ilocos Sur, BILEY (Biliran & Leyte), and the host chapter of Northern Samar—collaborated in drafting a unified Advocacy Agenda to guide future lobbying and action.

Participants also took part in a field exposure tour to Mapanas Blue Lagoon and Canawayon Island in Lapinig, gaining meaningful insights into local disability-inclusive initiatives and community-based experiences.

The convention concluded with a strengthened spirit of solidarity and a renewed commitment among AKAPIN chapters nationwide to advance the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.