28 July 2016- On July 17, DFA-RCO Puerto Princesa personnel joined other government agencies, schools, and NGOs at the Mendoza Park, Puerto Princesa City in the motorcade and opening ceremonies organized by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office of the City of Puerto Princesa (PDAO-PPC) to kick off the celebration of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week.
RCO Puerto Princesa, in cooperation with the United Architects of the Philippines – Palawan Chapter (UAP-Palawan), the PDAO-PPC, the Land Transportation Office – Puerto Princesa City (LTOPPC) and the Gypsy’s Lair Café, also organized a watercolor abstract-painting and charcoal-rendering workshop for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) that was held on July 21 at the Gypsy’s Lair Café in Puerto Princesa City. Nineteen (19) PWDs with ages ranging from eight (8) to twenty-eight (28) years old joined the whole-day workshop. Palaweño Artist Mr. Mario Lubrico and Architect Dexter Valencia volunteered as mentors for watercolor abstract painting and charcoal rendering, respectively.
During the art workshop, the participants were encouraged to show their best talents in projecting this year’s NDPR theme “Karapatan ng Maykapansanan, Isakatuparan… Now Na!” in their artworks which became the entries in the Poster Making Contest that was held after workshop. RCO Puerto Princesa’s Officer-in-Charge Ms. Liza Jane Estalilla and LTO’s Officer-in-Charge Ms. Antonia dela Cruz were requested to give inspirational messages to the participants. In his closing remarks, Mr. Hayden Plizardo, Head of the PDAO-PPC, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the support extended to them by the RCO and the other stakeholders in the event. He said that his Office, the PWDs and their parents / caregivers were deeply honored to have the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs in this year’s NDPR Week celebration.
To further showcase the artistic talents of PWDs and create public awareness of the 38th NDPR Week celebration, the artworks of the participants in the Watercolor Abstract Painting and Charcoal Rendering Workshop held on July 21 were displayed alongside the NDPR 2016 streamer by the entrance of RCO Puerto Princesa on July 22 to 24. The display caught the attention of many passers-by and passport applicants many of whom have expressed their appreciation for the PWDs’ artworks. END
