On July 23, 2026, the Department of Education with the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, through the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Division of the Governor’s Office, celebrated Project BEST (Bringing Out Everyone’s Skills and Talents), the culminating activity of the 48th Disability Rights Week with several contested activities and a Product Exhibition and Trade Fair, featuring products by Special Education Centers around the province.

The opening ceremony welcomed Vice Governor Eufemia Dacayo and Board Members Eunice Galima-Gambol, Emerlene Galanta-Martinez, and Leonard Clemens Cadoy. Vice Governor Dacayo stated that the celebration is a reminder that PWDs have not only rights, but abilities, talents, and roles to play. Additionally, BM Gambol extended their gratitude to DepEd for hosting the celebration in the province.

DepEd Kindergarten and Special Needs Supervisor Hilda Aragon commended the provincial government through GO-PDAD and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office for their propagation of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) through trainings conducted during Disability Rights Week, and advised the PWDs present to not only perform to their utmost ability, but to enjoy the celebration.

Among the contested activities are the Inclusive Spelling Bee, which engaged PWD children; the Stories of Silence, which featured deaf pupils engaging in storytelling through Filipino Sign Language; and the Search for Mr. and Ms. Possibility pageant, the highlight of the event that would see twenty PWD candidates vie for the titles through their skills, talents, and intelligence.

The Product Exhibition and Trade Fair featured the crafts and livelihood products of Special Education (SPED) centers among the public schools in the province, namely Bagabag Central School, Bambang Central School, Bayombong Central School, Dupax Central School, and Solano East Central School. The products were handmade by PWD students and ranged from wire and beadwork accessories and decorations to food items.

Through the diligence and understanding of the GO-PDAD and its partnership with the DepEd, the meaningful celebration of National Disability Rights Week was enacted for the PWD children in Nueva Vizcaya. /igmb

[This article was first created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]