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• The Republic of Philippines
  • General Information
  • Statistical Data on Disability Profile
  • Current Situation of Persons with Disabilities
  • The Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012
  • Profile of Disability-related Organizations
  • Appendix I
  • Appendix II

4. Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012:
“Towards an Inclusive, Barrier-Free, and Rights-Based Society” Action Guideline: The Biwako Millennium Framework

A National Workshop was conducted immediately following the conclusion of the National Culminating Conference for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled persons, in August 2002. The conference was sponsored by the NCWDP in which there were 56 participants from governmental agencies, NGOs, international funding agencies, academe, employers groups, relevant national associations and PWDs. The workshop produced recommendations on national strategies and action plans. According to the ADB, the DSWD Secretary who officiated at the closing ceremonies responded positively to the recommendations that were provided.

However, the Government has not formally announced any plans of action for the achievements of the goals outlined toward an inclusive, barrier-free and rights based society. The President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, however, did sign Proclamation No. 240, which declares the period 2003 to 2012 as the Philippine Decade of Persons with Disabilities. With the adoption of the Biwako Millennium framework, the Philippines conducted the following activates in order for the formation of a national plan of action:

Convergence 2003

In September 2003, a national meeting with stakeholders on the National Plan of Action of the Philippine Decade of Persons with Disabilities was held. 173 delegates from 16 regions of the Republic met comprising representatives from national governmental agencies and NGOs with stakes on disability issues and concerns. Convergence 2003 was organized by the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled persons to critique and enhance the draft national Plan of Action for the Philippine Decade of Persons with Disabilities. Through this forum, inputs to the formation of the Plan of Action were made, which will serve as the framework and direction in implementing the Plan of Action.