Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 Joins National Disability Rights Week 2025

July 21, 2025 | Malacañang Compound, Manila — The Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2, led by Club President Shirley Licup, proudly joined the observance of National Disability Rights Week at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Main Building within the Malacañang Compound. The multi-sectoral event, anchored on the theme of human rights, sustainable development, and cultural empowerment, demonstrated a united commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Honoring Proclamation No. 597

The celebration was held in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 597, which designates the third week of July each year as a time to raise awareness and strengthen rights-based support for PWDs and other vulnerable groups. The gathering was organized by the DBM in collaboration with the United Nations Association of the Philippines-Global (UNAP-Global), the Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble Artists for Peace, and several government, civic, and media partners.

A Blend of Patriotism and Advocacy

The morning program began with the Flag Ceremony, enriched by cultural and artistic performances from the Earthsavers DREAMS Ensemble, which blended heritage and advocacy. Recitations of the Panatang Makabayan, excerpts from Jose Rizal’s Mi Último Adios, and Apolinario Mabini’s Decalogue moved participants with messages of patriotism, resilience, and justice.

Performances by differently abled artists, out-of-school youth, and Indigenous groups—including a Tinikling dance by blind performers—showcased the central message of the program: that disability is not inability, but an opportunity for empowerment through empathy, art, and inclusion.

Government Commitment

The event also recognized the leadership of DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who received a Certificate of Recognition for promoting budgetary inclusivity, as well as the contributions of Undersecretaries Margaux Salcedo, Janet Abuel, Rolando Toledo, and Wilford Will Wong. Usec. Salcedo, in particular, was commended for mobilizing partnerships that amplify the voices of PWDs.

Zonta’s Role in Advocacy

The participation of the Zonta Club of Greater Rizal 2 highlights the organization’s continuing commitment to inclusive development and gender equality, especially in advocating for marginalized communities such as PWDs. By joining this national observance, Zonta underscored its mission to work hand in hand with government, civil society, and the arts sector in building a society that leaves no one behind.

A Call to Unity

As Chair Tony Cama of the Philippine Eagles Media Bureau aptly shared during the event:

“True nation-building begins when no one is left behind—not the poor, the disabled, the young, or the elderly. This celebration is more than a flag-raising ceremony. It’s a raised banner of justice, dignity, and hope for all sectors.”

The event was a resounding reminder that inclusion is not just a principle—it is an active movement towards a more compassionate and empowered Philippines.