With the celebration of the 48th National Disability Awareness Week being from July 17 to 23, 2026, the Persons with Disability Affairs Division of the Governor’s Office (GO-PDAD) kicked off the occasion with a parade and a short ceremony on July 17, 2026, at the Capitol Compound, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.
Representatives from the Disability Affairs offices of the municipalities of Bagabag, Bambang, Bayombong, Kasibu, Solano, Quezon, Villaverde, and Sta. Fe duly participated in the opening parade and were commended in the ceremony for their work in making Nueva Vizcaya a more inclusive province.
Provincial Disability Affairs Officer Venus R. Cadabona extended gratitude on behalf of the provincial government for their participation, stating that the ‘important yearly celebration’ of Disability Awareness Week reinforces the ‘shared responsibility that requires collaboration, partnership, and sustained action’ on the part of the disability officers.
Cadabona also expressed her gratitude to Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito for his steadfast support and commitment to progress, reiterating that the PDAD will continue its advocacy for ‘a society where no one is left behind’.
Board Member Flodemonte Gerdan, representing the governor, iterated on this theme while extending his appreciation for the PWDs and MDAOs present, stating that PWDs are worth celebrating as one of the most important sectors. BM Gerdan spoke at length of the legislative efforts to recognize and support PWDs, such as Congressman Timothy Cayton’s recent proposed bill for PWD pension.
Further celebratory events and activities for Disability Awareness Week is the ceremonial awarding of livelihood support to PWDs, a bazaar featuring PWD-made products, capability-building training in collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, among other events.
Through the efforts of the GO-PDAD, the PWDs of the province are given support and inclusivity in all facets of government, as well as the acknowledgement and celebration of their contributions to Nueva Vizcaya. /igmb
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