Last May 10, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde launched "The Benilde
Exchange/Day of Whistles" which brings together a community of advocates
to promote positive awareness, positive perceptions, and greater social
awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities.
In the Green Room, 10th floor, of the School of Design and Arts
building, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Champions and members of the
sector gathered to empower the Benildean Community and its partners with
a deeper understanding of The United Nations Convention of the Rights
of Persons with Disabilites (UNCRPD). Cesar de Larrazabal, Director of
the Center of Linkages and Advancement warmly welcomed everyone in
attendance and assured Benilde's commitment in providing quality
education for all. Dr. Lisa Martinez, Director of the Philippine Deaf
Resource Center, and Mr. Lauro Purcil Jr., Lead Convenor of the
Philippine Coalition on the UNCRPD highlighted that the convention is a
major step toward changing the perception of disability and ensures that
societies recognize that all people must be provided with the
opportunities to live life to their fullest potential, whatever that may
be.
Mr. Rod Nolasco of the NOVA Management Team discussed the PWD sector
in the area of employment while Dr. Irma Coronel with the Advisory
Council for the Education of Children and Youth with Disabilities
(ACECYD) focused on the challenges for a more accessible public
education system.
Mr. Mike Barredo, representing the Pilipinos with Disabilities, Inc.
(PWD Inc.) Partylist vying for seats in Congress to represent the
marginalized sector this May 10, synthesized the day's proceedings and
reminded everyone of their vision to remove barriers, systemic and
attitudinal, that hinder PWD participation in community life and to
empower the PWD sector by uplifting existing economic and social
conditions for its betterment.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde looks forward to
spearhead more symposia of this nature to raise awareness not only
within the Benildean Community but the whole nation as well.
