01/09/2026
PDAO Aurora Strengthens Disability Inclusion Through Advocacy Campaign in Baler
BALER, Aurora – August 27, 2026 — The Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of Aurora, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baler, successfully conducted the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Advocacy Campaign on August 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in the Municipality of Baler.
The advocacy campaign gathered 35 PWD leaders and members from various barangays of Baler to strengthen awareness of the rights, privileges, and government programs available to Persons with Disabilities. The activity also encouraged the active participation of the PWD sector in local governance and community development.
The program formally opened with a welcome message from Ms. Maricel Sanchez, Designated PDAO of Baler, who emphasized the importance of unity, empowerment, and continuous collaboration between PWD organizations and the local government in promoting an inclusive community.
In her message of support, Ms. Corazon T. Virrey, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of Baler, reaffirmed the Municipal Government's commitment to the PWD sector. She emphasized that Persons with Disabilities remain one of the priority sectors of the MSWDO and assured participants that the office will continue providing programs, services, and assistance that promote their welfare and development.
Messages of support were also delivered by Mr. Richard G. Baoy, Provincial Disability Affairs Officer of Aurora, and Hon. Rhett Ronan T. Angara Municipal Mayor of Baler through Attorney Kristne Elaine G Sindac . Both officials reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights of Persons with Disabilities, promoting inclusive governance, and ensuring equal access to government services, programs, and opportunities for every PWD in the municipality.
The advocacy campaign featured informative discussions from partner agencies on important topics, including PhilHealth YAKAP and Philhealth Gamot Programs for PWDs, Health Services for Persons with Disabilities, Rights of PWDs at the Barangay Level, the Role and Importance of PWD Associations as Accredited Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Programs and Services of the Provincial Government of Aurora through the Provincial Disability Affairs Office.
The activity served as a platform for empowering PWD leaders with knowledge about their legal rights, available benefits, and opportunities to become active partners in building a disability-inclusive and accessible community.
The Provincial Government of Aurora, through the Provincial Disability Affairs Office, remains steadfast in strengthening partnerships with local government units and national agencies to advance the welfare, participation, and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities throughout the province.
“Together, we continue to build an inclusive Aurora where every Person with Disability is informed, empowered, and given equal opportunities to participate in society.”