PH Concludes Constructive Dialogue with Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities 

(From left) Permanent Representative to the United Nations Evan Garcia, Acting Social Welfare and Development Secretary Viginia Orogo, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Ong, and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Committee Chairperson Theresia Degener. (DFA UNIO photo)

MANILA 26 September 2018 – The Philippine delegation, led by Acting Social Welfare and Development Secretary Virginia Orogo, shared the country’s experiences on advancing the welfare of persons with disabilities as it successfully concluded its two-day constructive dialogue on the country’s implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Throughout the constructive dialogue or revalida on 12-13 September 2018, the Philippine delegation shared the country’s experiences in improving the principle of accessibility and the means of reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.

It is the Philippines’ first revalida with the Committee on CRPD since it ratified the Convention on 15 April 2008.

In her opening remarks, Acting Secretary Orogo underscored that when the Philippines became the 20th state party to the Convention in 2008, it was an affirmation of the country’s laws and policies as well as institutional programs and mechanisms already in place, which recognized and addressed the growing concerns of Filipinos with disabilities.

This includes the 1992 Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities and its subsequent enhancements designed to be able to respond to the evolving needs and concerns of the sector.

The delegation also explained policies to enhance the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in policy-making, legislation and program implementation at the national and local levels, including through the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Offices established in every province, city and municipality in the country.

At the conclusion of the Philippines’ revalida, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Ong reflected on the values and fundamental concerns underlying the Committee’s questions on the freedom of the individual human being, the empowerment of persons with disability, equal respect and dignity for every person, the moral obligation of government to be faithful to its promises, and the value of ensuring the effective participation of persons with disabilities in processes that impact on their lives.

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Ong also took pride in the Filipino tradition of caring for every member of its family, especially those with disability, and its commitment to inclusive people participation, especially the members of the sector themselves.

He continued to impress upon the Committee the Philippines’ commitment to bringing its persons with disabilities fully into mainstream society.

CRPD Committee Chairperson Theresia Degener expressed her appreciation for the delegation’s readiness to engage the Committee, and for the comprehensiveness of the responses delivered by the members of the delegation.

The CRPD chair also commended the active participation of government agencies responsible for the implementation of programs and initiatives geared towards the promotion, protection, and fulfilment of the rights of persons with disabilities which made a positive impact to the Committee members.

The Philippine delegation—which was also co-chaired by Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Ong and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva Evan Garcia —included senior officials from the Presidential Human Rights Committee, Departments of Foreign Affairs, Social Welfare and Development, Education, Labor and Employment, Interior and Local Government, Justice, Health, Public Works and Highways, Transportation, Philippine Commission on Women, National Council on Disability Affairs, and the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva. END

(From left) Permanent Representative to the United Nations Evan Garcia, Acting Social Welfare and Development Secretary Viginia Orogo, and Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Michael Ong. (DFA UNIO photo)

National Council on Disability Affairs Deputy Executive Director Mateo A. Lee Jr. delivers the State response on accessibility. (DFA UNIO photo)

Members of the Philippine Delegation to the State’s Constructive Dialogue with the Committee of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (DFA UNIO photo)