22 July 2014 – “Mabini’s life is a shining example of overcoming disability to realize one’s full potential…As the acknowledged ‘Brains of the Philippine Revolution,’ he defied expectations, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to freedom, and helped shape Philippine foreign policy.”
This was according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, as he sought to inspire persons with disabilities (PWDs) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) personnel alike during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 36th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week held last July 17 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini Hall, DFA Building, Pasay City.
The opening ceremony was in conjunction with the DFA’s Chairmanship of the National Working Committee (NWC) for this year’s NDPR Week, which runs from July 17 to 23, with the theme “Talino at Paninindigan ng Taong May Kapansanan: Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran.”
DFA’s chairmanship of the NDPR Week Celebration also coincides with the 150th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini. Mabini was appointed the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs upon the creation of the DFA on 23 June 1898 through a decree of then President Emilio Aguinaldo following the proclamation of the First Philippine Republic in Malolos, Bulacan.
Vice President Jejomar C. Binay was the guest of honor during the opening ceremony of the 36th NDPR Week Celebration.
Upon his arrival at the DFA, Vice President Binay, together with Secretary Del Rosario and Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Parisya H. Taradji, led the ribbon-cuttingceremony for the painting and photo Exhibit entitled “Art in Silence,” which features the works of international Abilympians Raphael Torralba, Jose Dela Cruz and Dennis Rhoniel C. Balan. Abilympians are participants to the International Abilympics, or Olympics of Abilities of PWDs.
The Vice President then proceeded to lead the wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Apolinario Mabini at the DFA lobby, after which he joined in the Holy Mass officiated by Father Alexander Thomas of the Archdiocese of the Manila Ministry on Persons with Disabilities.
This was followed by a speech by Secretary Del Rosario to officially open the NDPR Week celebration. Undersecretary Taradji likewise delivered a message on behalf of Social welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman.
“Ang taong ito ay makahulugan para sa pagdiriwang ng Linggo ng Maykapansanan dahil ito rin ang 150 taong kaarawan ng ating Bayaning si Gat Apolinario Mabini, itinuturing na isang halimbawa at inspirasyon dahil hindi naging hadlang ang kanyang kapansanan upang makapag-ambag sa kalayaan ng ating bayan,” Undersecretary Taradji said as she echoed Secretary Del Rosario’s emphasis on Mabini for this NDPR Week celebration.
Vice President Binay then delivered his keynote speech in which he prayed for the country to “move as one in raising public awareness on the rights of PWDs and work together towards the seamless inclusion of every Filipino in ordinary and political life.”
“Let us create a truly inclusive and compassionate society that will embrace each and every person, regardless of ability or disability,” Vice President Binay added.
After the serving of brunch for the guests, the second part of the opening ceremony started with the launching of the Apolinario Mabini Awards for 2015 by Mr. Manuel Agcaoili, President of the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled.
This award recognizes individuals and organizations alike in their efforts to foster an inclusive environment for PWDs. DFA was a previous recipient of this award for being among the government agencies that employ a number of PWDs.
A musical play entitled “Mabini: Taytay sa Alapaap” was then staged to the delight of the audiences as the production artistically encapsulated the life of the hero as a PWD, revolutionary and leader. The play was directed by Edward Perez of the Arts Research and Training Institute in Southern Tagalog, Inc. (ARTIST, Inc.), and was made possible through the collaboration of DFA, National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Melita S. Sta. Maria-Thomeczek delivered the closing remarks as she thanked the members of the NWC for their efforts in making this opening salvo as well as the rest of the NDPR Week celebration possible. END