President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. has signed a presidential proclamation declaring December 3 as the National Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The proclamation, which is in line with the United Nations’ annual observation of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), was signed on November 27 calling for Palauans’ participation by conducting programs, ceremonies, and activities.
Remengesau cited that over 1,000 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)were identified during the 2015 Census in Palau while one billion people around the globe also live with disabilities.
This year’s observation is anchored on the theme “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.”
“Persons with disabilities, as both beneficiaries and agents of change, can fast track the process towards inclusive and sustainable development and promote resilient society for all, including in the context of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action, and urban development,” Remengesau stated in the proclamation.
The proclamation also indicated the need to ensure the full and equal participation of PWDs in all aspects of the society. (Rhealyn C. Pojas)