PPDAO

03/12/2025

Driving Inclusive Progress "International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025"

On December 3, 2025, we observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the vital theme: "Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress." This day serves as a powerful global mandate to champion the rights, dignity, and full well-being of people with disabilities, actively advocating for their comprehensive inclusion across every sphere of life and development. We affirm our commitment to Empower Every Ability to Advance Social Progress—recognizing that true societal progress is achieved when every voice is heard and every talent is utilized.

This year, we urge organizations, leaders, and communities to move beyond awareness and commit to tangible change. Identify, dismantle, and transform institutional and physical barriers within your sphere of influence to ensure full accessibility and meaningful participation for all. Join us in taking concrete action to build truly equitable and inclusive environments where everyone is supported to thrive and make their invaluable contributions.

16/11/2025

"Raising a child with special needs is walking a path often paved with unseen struggles and boundless challenges. But it is also a journey where the light of unconditional love shines brightest, illuminating a strength you never knew you had and defining a love you never knew existed."

14/11/2025

Teaser I'mperfect 😍

13/11/2025

𝗡𝗖𝗗𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 | 𝗡𝗖𝗗𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗶 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘇

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) honors the life of Arci John Rodriguez, a 23-year-old man with developmental delay who lost his life while helping neighbors evacuate during Typhoon Tino in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

On November 4, as floodwaters rose across La Castellana, Arci John stepped forward to help. He joined two local responders in evacuating residents from Barangay Lalagsan to the town proper. Their path led to a hanging steel bridge over the Bungahin River. As they guided people across, part of the bridge collapsed. All three were thrown into the river. A rescue rope was tossed toward them, but Arci John couldn’t hold on. He lost his life in the very act of saving others.

Arci John’s courage defies stereotypes. He was born with developmental challenges, but he showed extraordinary bravery. His actions show us that cognitive disability does not mean lack of empathy, strength, or civic spirit. He didn’t wait to be rescued, he became a rescuer.

Heroism is not defined by physical ability or formal titles. It is defined by heart, action, and solidarity. Arci John lived that truth. He was known in his community for his kindness and eagerness to help. On the day of the typhoon, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a hero not as “Superman” or “Spiderman,” but a hero in real life.

NCDA urges local governments and national agencies to prioritize disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DiDRR) as an essential public safety duty. Arci John’s experience should inspire action, leading to required DRR training for responders with disabilities, ensuring rescue methods are accessible, and formally acknowledging that persons with disabilities can serve as DRR volunteers.

His loss should lead to meaningful change. We should let his bravery shape our decisions and actions. His life serves as a reminder that including everyone is crucial for saving lives. Every Filipino, no matter their abilities, has the right and strength to help others.

To Arci John’s family, friends, and the people of La Castellana, we extend our deepest condolences. His life will continue to inspire a more inclusive and compassionate society.

12/11/2025

"A deep faith invites the fiercest test. Stand unwavering—for the very weight you bear is glorious evidence of your blessed direction."

11/11/2025

09/11/2025

Ganito kalala ang accessibility natin sa Pinas 🤕

29/10/2025

The 𝘌𝘯 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘤, during its session yesterday, October 28, 2025, approved the 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 (𝘍𝘚𝘓) 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘑𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘺, a landmark measure that institutionalizes the use of FSL in court proceedings to ensure equal access to justice for the d/Deaf community.

The 𝘍𝘚𝘓 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 operationalize RA No. 11106, or the 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘈𝘤𝘵, and affirms the State’s commitment under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to guarantee the full participation of d/Deaf Filipinos in judicial processes.

Drafted by the Technical Working Group chaired by Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao and composed of members from the Office of the Court Administrator, representatives of trial and appellate courts, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, Deaf organizations, and interpreters’ groups, the 𝘍𝘚𝘓 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 were refined through extensive meetings, stakeholder consultation, and a writeshop held earlier this year.

Among the key features of the 𝘍𝘚𝘓 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 are the mandatory engagement of qualified and accredited FSL interpreters in all judicial proceedings involving d/Deaf parties or witnesses, securing full and equitable access to justice.

The 𝘍𝘚𝘓 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 also establish ethical and professional standards to guide court interpreters in the performance of their duties, with clear procedures for interpreter accreditation and payment.

Finally, the 𝘍𝘚𝘓 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 allow for both on-site and remote interpreting, with built-in safeguards to maintain the accuracy, confidentiality, and reliability of interpretations across all modes.

Read the full text of the Press Briefer at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=154637.

The full text of the 𝘍𝘚𝘓 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 will be uploaded to the SC website once available.

Copying of this content is subject to the SC PIO’s Credit Attribution Policy: https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/credit-attribution-policy/.

29/10/2025

True influence is built on consistent, selfless service, not constant self-promotion. Go help people—that's your real brand equity.

29/10/2025