The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, as funded by the Australian Aid through The Asia Foundation's Fully Abled Nation campaign, instigated a series of roadshows that aims to increase the public’s awareness on PWD Rights, promulgate the different PhilHealth programs, and encourage active participation among LGUs and the PWDs to uphold the rights of Persons with Disabilities. The sites for the roadshows include Butuan City, Iligan City, Oriental Mindoro, Tagudin (Ilocos Sur), Midsayap North Cotabato, and Nueva Ecija.
PAPO Vice President Ogie Gonzales and Board Member Jean Gonzales gave the orientation for the PWD rights which emphasized on RA 7277 or the Magna Carta of Persons with Disabilities, RA 10070 or the Establishment of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office and the Rights of the Children with disabilities.
PhilHealth representatives coming from PhilHealth Regional Office CARAGA gave their orientation on the different packages and programs of PhilHealth for the PWDs.
Lastly, volunteer doctor, Edna C. Del Rosario, conducted a free clinic for the PWDs with medicines provided by UNILAB. She was assisted by local registered nurses.
On the 2nd day of the Roadshow, The PWD Federation officers met up with Local City Officials as headed by Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. for the PWD-LGU Dialogue. To formally open the dialogue, Mayor Amante gave a speech and emphasized that no one should get left behind or “walang iwanan” as he would coin it, stating that the PWDs is being taken into consideration by the LGU for its programs and planning.
ULAP then presented the results of the PWD Survey and Registry and was affirmed by the PWDs as they conveyed their clamors to the local government. The LGU of Butuan responded to each of their concerns and assured that steps will be taken to address these.