MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation 597, declaring July 17 to 23 of every year as National Disability Rights Week (NDRW).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the proclamation on June 13, 2024, and tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), to lead, coordinate and supervise the annual observance of the NDRW.

On Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that Proclamation 57 is part of the government's commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (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."

In line with its stated task, the NCDA will identify the programs, activities and projects for the observance of NDRW.

All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, state universities and colleges are directed to observe the weeklong event. All local government units, non-government organizations, and private sectors are encouraged to observe the same.

In issuing the circular, the President underscored the need to amend Proclamations 1870 and 361 to be consistent with the purpose of the UNCPRD and to promote a rights-based approach on the National Disability Rights Week.

Proclamation 1870 (s. 1979) declared the third week of July as the "National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week, while Proclamation 361 (s. 2000) declared July 23 as the culmination of the NDPR Week, commemorating the birth of the Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini.

Marcos likewise declares "Proclamation 1870 (s. 1979) and 361 (s. 2000) repealed along with all other issuances, orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with Proclamation 597.

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