National Council on Disability Affairs

31/08/2026

🇵🇭 ARAW NG MGA BAYANI

Tuwing huling Lunes ng Agosto, ating ginugunita ang Araw ng mga Bayani bilang pagkilala sa katapangan, sakripisyo, at kabayanihan ng mga Pilipinong nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa kalayaan at kinabukasan ng ating bansa.

Sa araw na ito, ating inaalala ang kanilang mga sakripisyo at ang mga pagpapahalagang kanilang iniwan—ang pagmamahal sa bayan, malasakit sa kapwa, at paninindigan para sa isang mas makatarungan at makataong lipunan.

Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang kanilang kabayanihan upang patuloy nating itaguyod ang karapatan, dignidad, pagkakapantay-pantay, at inklusyon para sa bawat Pilipino.

Dahil ang tunay na kabayanihan ay patuloy na nabubuhay sa bawat Pilipinong naglilingkod, nakikiisa, at gumagawa ng mabuti para sa kapwa.

Maligayang Araw ng mga Bayani! 🇵🇭

31/08/2026

𝗤𝗖 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) supports the Quezon City Government, through the Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (QCPDAO), in its efforts to ensure that the reported incident involving a person with disability at National Bookstore, SM North EDSA is addressed swiftly, fairly, and in accordance with the law.

NCDA supports the QCPDAO's coordination with the concerned local government and the family of the person involved to provide appropriate assistance within its mandate, including access to legal support and other available services.

NCDA likewise stands with the principle that no person, including persons with disabilities, should be subjected to abuse, degrading treatment, or any form of inhumane conduct. Every individual is entitled to dignity, respect, safety, and protection.

NCDA remains committed to advancing a rights based approach grounded in due process, accountability, dignity, and non discrimination.

Statement of the Quezon City Government

The Quezon City Persons with Disability Affairs Office (QC-PDAO) is coordinating with the Pasay City local government following a viral incident involving a person with disability at National Bookstore, SM North EDSA, Quezon City.

The QC-PDAO is also reaching out to the family of the Pasay City resident to offer all appropriate assistance within its mandate, including access to legal support and other available services.

We support the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) in its efforts to establish the facts and resolve the matter swiftly, fairly, and in accordance with the law.

The QC-PDAO reiterates that no person—including persons with disabilities—should ever be subjected to abuse, degrading treatment, or any form of inhumane conduct. Every individual is entitled to dignity, respect, safety, and protection.

The Quezon City Government remains firmly committed to upholding the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities and to ensuring that they receive the assistance and protection they deserve.

30/08/2026

𝗡𝗖𝗗𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 | 𝗡𝗖𝗗𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) issues this statement regarding the online reports concerning a person with disability allegedly involved in physical abuse incident at the National Bookstore (NBS) branch, SM North EDSA, Quezon City.

NCDA sent a staff member this morning to speak with bookstore management. It was confirmed that an individual with a disability attempted to take items and put it in bag on multiple occasions. A management officer stated they have not discriminated against this person and have not banned them. Some NBS personnel also reported multiple incidents involving harm inflicted to security guards and NBS staff by this person who often visits the store.

As per coordination with SM North EDSA CRS office, the security officer in the viral video is on preventive suspension while the security agency will conduct inquiry about the said incident. SM CRS will provide NCDA with a copy of the full incident report by the said security agency once available. NCDA recommends that the involved person's full name should be verified in coordination with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office for possible intervention.

NCDA emphasize that all persons, including those with disabilities, are equal under the law and responsible for their actions. Illegal acts like theft must go through legal channels with due process.

NCDA warns against stereotyping persons with disabilities based on a single incident. Most persons with disabilities are law-abiding and contribute positively to society. The public is urged to avoid discrimination and profiling.

NCDA has recommended that establishments ensure due process, fair treatment, and coordination with law enforcement in handling cases. Security measures must be reasonable, non-discriminatory, and respectful of dignity at all times. NCDA stands for both rights and responsibility. The agency will continue to monitor the case to ensure that neither discrimination and impunity prevail.

Justice and inclusion are not opposing values they go hand in hand.

27/08/2026

🤝 Strengthening Partnerships for Disability Inclusion and Human Rights

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHR) recently came together for a benchmarking meeting focused on Disability Inclusion and Development, providing an important opportunity to exchange good practices, share experiences, and explore areas for stronger collaboration.

The meeting brought together NCDA Executive Director Glenda D. Relova and CHR Commissioner Maria Amifaith S. Fider-Reyes to exchange good practices, share experiences, and identify areas for stronger collaboration in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

This engagement reflects our shared commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, inclusion, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society.

We look forward to transforming this dialogue into concrete partnerships and collaborative projects that will strengthen disability rights advocacy, promote inclusive policies and programs, and help build communities where no person with disability is left behind.

This is only the beginning. We are excited about the possibilities ahead as NCDA and CHR work together toward a more inclusive, accessible, and rights-based Philippines for all. 💙♿

27/08/2026

📣 ADHDSP Regional Conference 2026

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) invites families, educators, healthcare professionals, advocates, and everyone interested in learning more about ADHD to join the ADHD Society of the Philippines Regional Conference 2026!

Theme: “Awareness and Beyond: Empowering Families, Schools, and Communities for ADHD”

📅 October 23–24, 2026
📍 Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center, Roxas City, Capiz

Come learn, connect, and advocate for communities where people with ADHD are understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.

🎟️ Registration is now open:
https://bit.ly/ADHDRoxasCityCon

Come learn, connect, and advocate for inclusion as we work together to create communities that understand, support, and empower people with ADHD. 💙

26/08/2026

Ang disability inclusion ay hindi lamang usaping pang persons with disabilities! 💬

Sa iba’t ibang yugto ng buhay, maaaring makaranas ang kahit sino ng functional limitations. Ipinapakita ng mga datos na ang disability inclusion ay mahalaga hindi lamang para sa isang sector, kundi para sa buong lipunan.

Habang dine-develop natin ang Philippine Decade Plan on Disability, mahalaga ang participation ng iba’t ibang stakeholders upang matukoy ang mga priority issues at policy directions para makamit ang ! 🇵🇭

25/08/2026

𝗡𝗖𝗗𝗔 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | 𝗡𝗖𝗗𝗔 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The National Council on Disability Affairs has received reports about the unauthorized use of the NCDA logo for solicitation which misleads the public and undermines the integrity of our services. We strongly condemn such actions and warn the public that individuals and groups using the Council’s name and logo without authority may face criminal prosecution and jail time.

NCDA explicitly clarifies that no individual or entity was given permission to use the Council’s name and logo for any solicitation, recruitment, production of materials, or online promotions.

The Council emphasizes that the unauthorized use of the NCDA logo by individuals or entities without written permission, endorsement, or approval by the Council is engaging in deceptive practices and shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

Under Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, usurpation of authority or official functions is committed when a person knowingly and falsely represent himself to be an officer, agent or representative of any department or agency of the Philippine Government or of any foreign government, or who, under pretense of official position, shall perform any act pertaining to any person in authority or public officer of the Philippine Government or any foreign government, or any agency thereof, without being lawfully entitled to do so. Violators found guilty of this crime shall be meted with punishment of imprisonment.

To prevent potential fraud and misinformation, we strongly advise the public to be vigilant by verifying first the authenticity of any communication or transaction with entities claiming to represent the Council.

NCDA likewise advise the public to immediately report to the Council any encounter with individuals or group claiming to represent NCDA through [email protected].

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the integrity and reputation of NCDA as we safeguard the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

25/08/2026

Maligayang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa! 🇵🇭

Ngayong Agosto, ating ipinagdiriwang ang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa na may temang, “WIKANG FILIPINO AT AI: Kasangkapan sa Pananaliksik at Tulay sa Yaman ng Impormasyon”

Ang Pambansang Sanggunian Ukol sa Ugnayang Pangmaykapansanan (NCDA) ay nakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ng ay buong puso'ng nakikiisa sa selebrasyong ito at sa pagsusulong ng Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika bilang mahalagang bahagi ng ating pagkakakilanlan, kultura, at pambansang pagkakaisa.

Mabuhay ang Wikang Pambansa!

25/08/2026

𝗡𝗖𝗗𝗔 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | ‘𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮-𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗮𝗻’ 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗮

What if a simple trip to the pharmacy, a quick visit to the bank, or a routine grocery run meant navigating one obstacle after another?

This is the reality explored in 'Para-Paraan' (Finding a Way Through), directed by Mae Chan Li, which follows Kat (Katrina Marie Hernandez), a para powerlifter and person with a disability, as she navigates her everyday activities.

The acclaimed film was among the works presented at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, where it earned the Special Jury Award for its stark documentary storytelling and compelling portrayal of the everyday realities of persons with disabilities.

Through Kat’s journey, the film presents a familiar but often overlooked reality: for many persons with disabilities, ordinary tasks can become difficult when public spaces and services are not designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind.

Roads, sidewalks, ramps, elevators, and other everyday spaces become more than physical structures. They can become barriers that affect how freely and independently a person with a disability can move and participate in the community.

During the talkback following the film screening, filmmaker Dr. Kat was asked about the hardest and easiest parts of producing 'Para-Paraan'. Dr. Kat shared that at the heart of the filmmaking process was the desire to bridge the gap by portraying everyday experiences through the lens of a person with a disability.

“To bridge the gap, to do the tasks that everyone [does], but in my lens as a person with disability.”

Director Mae Chan Li, meanwhile, shared that the film was intentionally presented in a quiet and non-preachy manner. Rather than telling audiences what to think, the filmmakers wanted viewers to experience Kat’s journey and arrive at their own reflections.

“That’s why it’s also silent, and not preachy, but for you to watch and decide for yourself,” she said.

Through this approach, 'Para-Paraan' allows its story to speak for itself, inviting audiences to recognize the barriers encountered by persons with disabilities in their everyday lives.

For Li, storytelling also serves as an important way to continuously share the experiences and stories of persons with disabilities. She emphasized the value of telling these stories while finding purpose and enjoyment in the creative process.

Through 'Para-Paraan', storytelling becomes a way to bridge perspectives—allowing audiences to see everyday experiences through the lens of persons with disabilities and encouraging a deeper understanding of accessibility and inclusion.

Beyond telling a story about accessibility, the screening of 'Para-Paraan' at Cinemalaya also highlighted the importance of making cinema itself accessible.

In partnership with Cinemalaya, the screening opened its doors to persons who are blind and persons with low vision through Live Audio Description, providing an accessible way for audiences to experience the film’s visual elements.

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with Hiraya Collective for the Blind and the UP Department of Linguistics, whose efforts helped bring Live Audio Description to the screening. Through live narration, audiences were able to follow important visual details, actions, settings, and other elements of the film that may not otherwise be accessible to people with visual disabilities.

At Cinemalaya, 'Para-Paraan' not only shared a story about navigating barriers—it also became part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between film, accessibility, and inclusion.

For NCDA, 'Para-Paraan' is more than a film—it is an invitation to listen. The experiences portrayed remind government agencies, LGUs, stakeholders, and everyone who watches the film of the importance of understanding disability through the lived experiences of persons with disabilities.

It encourages us to look beyond what we know and listen to what persons with disabilities experience in their everyday lives. By listening to these stories and engaging persons with disabilities in the planning and implementation of programs, services, and public spaces, government can continue working toward communities where accessibility and inclusion are part of everyday life.

📸 Kat Out of the Box / Mae Chan Li