President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. issued a presidential proclamation declaring December 3 as the National Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Palau.
Presidential Proclamation No. 19-276 revealed that there are more than 1,000 PWDs in the country based on the 2015 census who either partly have or possess long-term physical, mental, intellectual; or sensory impairments.
The proclamation pointed out that the PWDs and their families face challenges to reach their full potential to contribute to their communities and the country as a whole.
President Remengesau, through the proclamation, said that the celebration can be a means to ensure the “full and effective participation of Persons with Disabilities in all aspects of societal life and development.”
This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda,” which gives emphasis on empowering PWDs to ensure “inclusive, equitable and sustainable development.”
The president, through the proclamation, urged the Palauan people to participate and also to help raise awareness and education on issues faced by PWDs and also to mobilize support for their well-being. (By Rhealyn C. Pojas)