29/06/2025
Empowering Voices: Persons with Disabilities at the Forefront of Regional Development
June 24, 2025, marked a pivotal moment at the Home for the Girls Conference Room, DSWD Regional Office 8, as the 2nd Quarter meeting of the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) 8 convened. As the representative of Gov. Ben P. Evardone and in the absence of our esteemed Chairperson, DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong, it was my distinct honor to preside over this vital gathering as RCDA Vice-Chairperson.
The air was charged with a shared commitment to inclusivity, as representatives from diverse regional government offices, including DTI, TESDA, DBM, PIA, LTO, and CSC, came together. Their presence underscored the broad spectrum of support dedicated to advancing the welfare of persons with disabilities. What truly made this meeting inspirational was the strong and active participation of those who are directly impacted by RCDA's mission.
We were honored to have the National Anti-Poverty Commission representative Council Member Region 8 Mr. Raymond L. Gaspay, CSWDO Tacloban Focal Person Ms. ArLou Garcia Sabate, PSWDO Focal Person from Biliran, PDAO Ormoc City, PDAO Tacloban City Mr. Jj Palanas-Murillo Alday, PDAO Calbayog City Mr. Jose Lemuel Cinco-Miano, and PDAO Catbalogan City Mr. Bernardito Dante, and DSWD Asst. Regional Director Sir Dalaota, DSWD Regional Focal Person Mr. Macor Christian Lee Wael at the table. Their insights, drawn from lived experiences and direct engagement with the community, are invaluable. The presence of the Regional Federation of Persons with Disabilities Eastern Visayas with the Head of Secretariat Mr. Phillip Ting further amplified the voices of those we serve, ensuring that every decision made resonates with their needs and aspirations.
The RCDA, as a crucial mechanism in the Philippines, is not merely a committee; it is a powerful platform for convergence and resource sharing. It serves as a beacon of hope, bringing together government agencies, non-government organizations, and, most importantly, organizations of persons with disabilities. This collaborative spirit is the engine driving the effective implementation of programs, projects, and services designed to empower and uplift persons with disabilities across the region.
This meeting was a testament to our collective dedication to building a society where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute. The vibrant participation of persons with disabilities at the heart of these discussions is not just a policy—it is a celebration of their strength, resilience, and inherent right to a life of dignity and opportunity. Together, we are forging a path towards a more inclusive and equitable future for Eastern Visayas.
To God be all the Glory!!!
