The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) condemns all adverse acts of anyone that may erode the self-worth and the sense of dignity of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Anchored on the guiding principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, the DSWD is one with the State in strongly advocating for and encouraging respect for PWDs.

The Department upholds and promotes their rights, as provided for in the law, to be protected from public ridicule and vilification.

Section 39 of Republic Act 9442 defines public ridicule as act of making fun or contemptuous imitating or making mockery of persons with disability, whether in writing, in words or in action due to their impairments. No individual, group or community shall execute any of these acts of ridicule against any person with disability in any time and place which may result to the loss of their self esteem.

As the lead agency in providing directions to empower PWDs, DSWD calls on all stakeholders, especially those in public office and those who want to become leaders of this nation, to demonstrate utmost propriety in dealing with the members of this sector.

Let us be more sensitive in responding to their needs to enable them to become contributing members of every community. Let us allow them to fulfill their rights!

We have done a lot to mainstream the PWDs in our society, let us continue to fight for their rights and push for their total development as productive citizens of this country. ###