The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) pays tribute to all government initiatives to support the needs of persons with disability (PWDs) particularly during this time of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The country is now observing the 43rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week from July 17 to 23 with the theme "Kalusugan at Kaunlaran ng Pilipinong May Kapansanan, Isulong sa Gitna ng Pandemya."

"Kinikilala at suportado ng CHR ang lahat ng mga inisyatiba at programa ng gobyerno para sa mga persons with disability (PWDs) ngayong panahon ng krisis, (The CHR recognizes and supports all government initiatives and programs for PWDs in this time of crisis," the CHR said in its social media account.

The observance of the 43^rd NDPR, which is mandated under the 1979 and 2000 Presidential Proclamations and Administrative Order No. 35 issued in 2002, is led by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

This year’s NDPR observance focuses “on the health and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities during this time of COVID-19 pandemic.”

The CHR said it continuously promotes the voices and participation of PWDs in whatever policies that affect their lives.

Because of the health crisis, the CHR said that PWDs face "double challenges" in terms of economic security, access to healthcare services, and restriction on movement.

"Mahalaga na sila'y empowered sa pamamagitan ng pagtiyak sa kanilang karapatan sa edukasyon at trabaho habang tinitiyak na sila'y ligtas, (It is important that they are empowered by ensuring their right to education and employment while ensuring that they are safe)," the CHR stressed.

Just recently, the CHR lauded the government for the move in Congress to make it easier for PWDs to cast their votes during the May 2022 elections.

Congress has approved the funding provision of a consolidated bill that will allow seniors and PWDs to cast their ballots within seven working days before the election.