PDAO Aurora Province

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

PDAO Aurora Joins Gender Sensitivity Training

Two (2) employees from the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the Province of Aurora actively participated in the Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) held on October 23–24, 2025, at AMCO Beach Resort, Sabang, Baler, Aurora. The activity was organized by the Provincial Human Resource Management Office (PHRMO) under the Provincial Government of Aurora (PGA).

The two-day training aimed to enhance participants understanding and awareness of gender concepts, roles, and issues that influence workplace relationships and public service delivery. Topics discussed included gender-related laws for the protection of women and the basic concepts of Gender and Development (GAD).

Serving as resource persons were Police Major Michelle C. Paulino of the Aurora Police Provincial Office and Ms. Mila Gomez of the Provincial Population Office.

The training also highlighted the importance of mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) perspectives in local policies, programs, and development initiatives to ensure that all sectors including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are provided with equal opportunities, participation, and representation.

The participation of PDAO Aurora in this capacity-building activity reaffirms its commitment to inclusive and equitable governance, upholding the rights, dignity, and empowerment of every individual, regardless of gender, ability, or background.

23/10/2025

Aurora PDAO Representatives attend Training on the Regional Rollout of the Unified PWD ID System

Fifteen (15) representatives from the Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs) of the eight municipalities in the Province of Aurora participated in the Training on the Rollout of the Unified PWD ID System, conducted by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on October 15, 2025, at Ruby Hall B, 2nd Floor, Manila Prince Hotel, 1000 San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila.

The participants were as follows:

• Casiguran: Roel O. Prepose and Mark Jerry H. De Pablo
• Dinalungan: Geisarth P. Quilal-lan and Johanna Mae D. Molina
• Dipaculao: Ruby Jade Delos Reyes and Marisol Nidoy
• Maria Aurora: Oliver F. Farin and Jasmin Grace A. Campo
• Baler: Maricel Sanchez
• Dilasag: Lorielle V. Malubag and Ron Alvin Vargas
• San Luis: Ofelia V. Abawag and Jessie Rellores
• Dingalan: Claudine Arenas and Arvin Pabillo

The training aimed to enhance the capacity of local implementers in utilizing the Unified PWD ID System (UPIS) a national database developed to streamline the registration, validation, and issuance of identification cards for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the country.

It also aimed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the operational processes, key features, and policy guidelines of the Unified PWD ID System. The system is designed to curb the proliferation of fraudulent PWD identification cards and to establish a secure, technology-driven platform that allows establishments to efficiently verify the authenticity of digitally issued PWD IDs.

Program topics included an Overview of the Unified PWD ID System, System Walkthrough and Technical Demonstration, Hands-on Training on Encoding and Verification, ID Generation and Pilot Processing, and an End-to-End Pilot Simulation using actual PWD applications.

Through this initiative, the NCDA seeks to ensure greater uniformity, accuracy, and efficiency in the management of PWD data nationwide. The active participation of Aurora’s PDAOs reflects the province’s steadfast commitment to strengthening PWD programs and promoting inclusive, accessible, and efficient public service delivery for Persons with Disabilities.

19/10/2025

Distribution of Educational Assistance for PWD Elementary and High School Students in the Province of Aurora for the school year 2025-2026.

The Provincial Government of Aurora, under the leadership of Governor Isidro Pimentel Galban, has successfully distributed educational assistance to 454 Persons with Disability (PWD) students from various municipalities in the province.

The program was implemented through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) – Aurora Province, headed by Ms. Felipa R. Soriano, Disability Affairs Officer IV. The list of qualified beneficiaries was endorsed by the respective schools through the Department of Education (DepEd) – Aurora Division to the PDAO Provincial Office.

Each student beneficiary received ₱2,000.00 as educational assistance, aimed at supporting their academic needs and encouraging inclusive education for learners with disabilities. To qualify, beneficiaries must be holders of valid PWD Identification Cards registered in the Province of Aurora and officially enrolled in any elementary or high school within the province.

The number of beneficiaries per district is as follows:

• Dingalan District – 55 students
• Baler District – 76 students
• San Luis District – 45 students
• Dipaculao District – 77 students
• Maria Aurora District – 78 students
• Dinalungan District – 22 students
• Casiguran District – 63 students
• Dilasag District – 38 students

This initiative underscores the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities by providing equitable access to education and opportunities for development across the province.

18/10/2025

Disability Rights and Welfare Advocacy Campaign Conducted in Dingalan, Aurora
October 17, 2025 | Dingalan, Aurora

The Provincial Government of Aurora, through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) headed by Ms. Felipa R. Soriano, DAO IV, successfully conducted the Disability Rights and Welfare Advocacy Campaign on October 17, 2025, in Dingalan, Aurora.

The activity was attended and actively participated by PDAO Dingalan, Ms. Claudine Arenas, PWD Leaders and Barangay Officials from the different barangays of Dingalan. The event served as a platform to raise awareness and strengthen advocacy on the rights, privileges, and welfare of persons with disabilities and to strengthen the partnership between local government units and communities in promoting inclusive development.

The campaign also highlighted the various programs and services for PWDs being implemented by the Provincial Government of Aurora, including PWD Social Pension, Educational Assistance, Assistive Devices and leadership development initiatives.

This undertaking forms part of the ongoing PWD programs and advocacy initiatives of the Provincial Government of Aurora under the leadership of Governor Isidro Pimentel Galban, who remains steadfast in his commitment to promoting an inclusive, equitable, and accessible province for all Aurorans.

Through the sustained efforts of the PDAO, the province continues to strengthen its disability-inclusive governance framework, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress and social development.

29/09/2025

Awarding of Prosthesis to PWD Beneficiaries in Aurora
San Fernando, Pampanga – September 29, 2025

Four persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the Province of Aurora received prosthetic devices (artificial leg) through the assistance of the Kapampangan Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI) at MVP Medical Center, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, under the leadership of Mr. Benigno N. Ricafort, President of KDFI, and Ms. Sylvia M. Ordeñez, Executive Director, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Aurora.

The beneficiaries were Filverth Bandagosa of San Luis, Nolimar Resurreccion of Baler, Baby May Cartusalem of Dipaculao, and Grace Del Rosario of Dinalungan, Aurora. This initiative was made possible under the leadership of Governor Isidro P. Galban, Provincial Government of Aurora through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) headed by Ms. Felipa R. Soriano, Disability Affairs Officer IV.

KDFI, a non-government organization based in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, is dedicated to providing support and services to persons with disabilities. The awarding of prosthesis underscores the foundation’s commitment to empowering PWDs by improving their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

This collaboration between KDFI and the Provincial Government of Aurora demonstrates a strong partnership in promoting inclusive programs that address the needs of PWDs across the province.

28/09/2025

PWD Leaders Gather for Capability Building in Casiguran, Aurora

The Provincial Government of Aurora, through the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), successfully conducted a Capability Building Activity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on September 24–26, 2025 at Agabao Beach Resort, Barangay Calangcuasan, Casiguran, Aurora.

The activity was attended by PWD leaders from the different municipalities of the Province of Aurora, who came together to strengthen their leadership, advocacy, and community-based disaster preparedness skills.

With the theme “Ligtas at Handa: Building Resilience for Persons with Disabilities,” the three-day training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and capacity to actively engage in disaster risk reduction and management, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in times of emergencies.

Serving as Resource Person was Mr. Rizalio R. Sanchez, former employee of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and now a Disability Consultant. He shared his expertise and experiences on disability inclusion and resilience, highlighting the importance of empowering PWDs as active contributors to community preparedness and development.

The activity underscored the Provincial Government’s continuing commitment to promoting the welfare of PWDs by providing opportunities for learning, leadership development, and participation in local governance and disaster resilience efforts.

18/09/2025

DOH-Region III Conducts Capability Building on Disability-Inclusive Health and Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Health – Region III spearheaded a Capability Building Training on the Provision of Disability-Inclusive Health and Rehabilitation Services at the Primary Care Level on September 10–11, 2025, at Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Pampanga.

The activity gathered participants from various provinces, including the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) of the Province of Aurora, PDAO Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, Baler, also attended the MSWDO and RHU in the Province of Aurora to strengthen capacities in promoting inclusive and accessible health care for persons with disabilities.

The two-day training focused on building knowledge and skills among health professionals, local government partners, and disability advocates to ensure that rehabilitation services are responsive to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.

Highlights of the Training

On the first day, discussions revolved around foundational concepts of disability and disability-inclusive health care.
• Module 1: Understanding Disability was presented by Mr. Royson A. Mercado from the Physical Therapy Association.
• Module 2: Basic Disability Identification and Measurement Approaches was led by Ms. Penefrancia Ching from the University of the Philippines College of Allied Medical Professions.
• Module 3: Disability-Inclusive Health Care was discussed by Dr. Ferdiliza Dandah, also from the University of the Philippines College of Allied Medical Professions.
The second day focused on rehabilitation and policy frameworks.
• Module 4: Introduction to Rehabilitation and Module 5: Basic Rehabilitation Approaches were facilitated by Ms. Penefrancia Ching.
• Module 6: Disability Concepts was presented by Mr. Rizalino Jose from the PDAO of Olongapo City.
• Module 7: Standards on Disability Categorization in the Philippines was delivered by Ms. Maria Cristina L. Raymundo from the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Division, Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the DOH.

The training underscored DOH’s continuing commitment to mainstream disability concerns in the health sector, ensuring that primary care facilities and health workers are equipped to provide inclusive, equitable, and appropriate services.

For the Province of Aurora, the participation of its PDAO reflects the local government’s ongoing advocacy to promote the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with disabilities through enhanced collaboration with national agencies and academic institutions.

18/09/2025