Laoag Fun Run Celebrates Disability Rights and Inclusivity

LAOAG – Approximately 500 participants, including people with disabilities, their families, and advocates, gathered for a fun run on Saturday across Gilbert Bridge in Laoag to highlight disability rights. The event, held in conjunction with National Disability Rights Week (NDRW), aimed to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about the rights of differently-abled persons.

According to Philippines News Agency, officer in charge of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in Laoag, the fun run was not only about promoting physical fitness but also served as a platform for fostering community engagement and advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. “We continue to organize events like this, which aims to reduce prejudice and promote the acceptance and empowerment of our PWDs to eliminate stigma, discrimination, and exclusion,” Medina stated during an interview.

The event was organized by the Laoag City Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) Parents Association in collaboration with the city and provincial governments, and a local Zumba group. Organizers noted that part of the proceeds from the fun run would be used to finance therapy for children with disabilities.

This year’s National Disability Rights Week, proclaimed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. from July 17-23 through Proclamation 597, underscores the Philippines’ commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Medina highlighted ongoing efforts by the Laoag PDAO to ensure that the estimated 2,500 PWDs in the region have full access to necessary facilities and services.

In addition to the fun run, the NDRW celebration included skills training on food processing, a medical mission, and special voter registration facilitated by the Commission of Elections specifically for PWDs, concluding on Saturday.