President Marcos has declared July 17 to 23 of every year as “National Disability Rights Week” to promote full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The two-page Proclamation No. 597 was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 13.

The move is part of the government's commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

In his proclamation, President Marcos said the Philippines is committed to the purpose of the UNCRPD to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

He likewise repealed Proclamations No. 1870 and 361 to be consistent with the purpose of the UNCPRD and to promote a rights-based approach to “National Disability Rights Week.”

Proclamation No. 1870 (s. 1979) declared the third week of July as the “National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week while Proclamation No. 361 (s. 2000) declared July 23 as the culmination of the NDPR Week, commemorating the birth of the Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini.

Under his proclamation, the Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), shall lead, coordinate, and supervise the “National Disability Rights Week.”

The NCDA is also tasked to identify the programs, activities, and projects related to the celebration.

All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) are directed to observe the celebration.

All local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (MGOs), and the private sector are encouraged to observe the same.