‘’MAKE THE RIGHT REAL-PHilippine Delegation –

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The Philippine delegation closing ranks. The ‘’Incheon Strategy on Disability Inclusive Development’’ was adopted by the member countries of the Asian and the Pacific Region, with the Philippines�� underscoring the active participation of DPOs in the monitoring and evaluation of the new decade.

The RP Team is set to launch a high-powered consultation back home, to draw a National Action Plan for a new Decade of Persons with Disabilities, carrying the theme “Make the Right Real”.

Proudly Filipinos!! Clockwise, 1) Ezekiel ‘’ÉJ’’ John Erpelo , grand prize winner, e-Life (web browsing/research), 2) whole team from left,�� Jabby Vesagas, slogan making special awardee, Gerson Peralta, Philippine National School for the Blind, team leader/coordinator �鶹��ý staff Jennifer Garcia, Caroll Ann and EJ; 3) Winners EJ, Caroll Ann and Jabby with their laptop prizes; and�� 4) Caroll Ann gets grand prize for e-Tool.

The 6-man “MAKE THE RIGHT REAL- TEAM PHILIPPINES” led by �鶹��ý staff Jennifer Garcia represented the country and bested other bets from 27 countries in this event held last October 29 to November 2, 2012.�� Ms. Garcia, herself with disability was the Team Coordinator, and was one of the presentors who spoke on “Accessible ICT in the Philippines”.

Last minute, but productive chat.�� Prior to her flight back home, Sociology Professor Naoko Takeda, Ph.D. from Musashi University, Tokyo Japan,�� traded notes with�� �鶹��ý ED Carmen Reyes-Zubiaga (above right photo) and staff, (from left, TCD Chief Nelia de Jesus, Project Dev’t. Officer Josephine Despi and PMD’s Planning Officer Delfina “Bing” Bacquir), on community-based livelihood programs of/for persons with disabilities.���� This meeting would spin off following future joint projects: 1) field visits of Japanese sociology students to local livelihood projects such as beauty salon, bakeries and eateries run/manned by persons with disabilities, 2) posting of counterpart projects c/o Musashi University in Tokyo, Japan, on the Council website and other related info exchange.

�� �� �� �� �� �� ��2 Pinoy Scholars eagerly begin their Life-changing Year in Washington D.C. ��Rocel Sison of the Philippine National School for the Blind and Jene Boy Deculing of Isabela school for the Deaf, join exchange students from all over the world on their orientation prior to placements for 1 year, in respective schools and foster families in California and Arizona.

This joint project of the �鶹��ý, AFS-IPP and the U.S. Government, gives 2-3 scholarship slots for PWDs out of 40, every year.�� As the local government’s pitch for disability-inclusive education called for in the “UN-Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”, this also aims to groom future PWD leaders/rights advocates in the country.�� Rocel and Jene Boy, now students in California and Arizona respectively, will make a total of 17, fielded since 2004, and are now making indelible marks in their studies and careers.�� For those interested to apply, please check out

On the upper left corner, the ��“Filipino participants to the 2011 Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship” standing from the left Ms. Lila Simon (�鶹��ý), Mr. Romeo Mina (DepED), Ms. Susita Bulawit (DILG), Mr. Vincent Sacriz (QUT, Australia), Ms. Florita Bisco (�鶹��ý) and Mr. Mike Limon (�鶹��ý). Sitting from the left Ms. Josephine Despi (�鶹��ý), Capt. Oscar Taleon (AKaPinoy), Ms. Daylinda Taleon (AKaPinoy) and Ms. Gertrude Pabelona (HOR).

���������������������� On the lower right corner, the “�鶹��ý Officers with Vincent” standing from the left, Ms. Josephine Despi, Mr. Vincent Sacriz, Deputy Executive Director Mr. Mateo A. Lee, Jr., Ms. Nelia De Jesus, Ms. Ruth Tacujan, Ms. Marlu Evangelista, Ms. Cynthia Barriga and Ms. Leovigilda Oasin.

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In town to monitor the Pinoy Fellows’ post-training accomplishments, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Mr. Vincent Sacriz, mentor and training coordinator of the 2011 Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship re-united with the 2011 Filipino Fellows on April 19, 2012 at the �鶹��ý to monitor the group’s progress.

To sustain QUT-�鶹��ý collaboration, Mr. Sacriz also met with �鶹��ý Officers headed by its Deputy Executive Director for an update on the current and future Project Proposals under AusAID and invited the Council to submit relevant proposals for latter’s consideration.

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has not just been helping develop PWDs and partners through overseas scholarships. It has also spurred active participation of women with disabilities and support groups in local fora on the rights of PWDs.

The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) was one of the sponsors of the collaborated activity during the celebration of the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” on December 3, 2011. The Council, through the National Steering committee created five (5) Thematic Sub-Groups to mark the celebration.�� One of these groups is the “Sub-Group on Gender: Including Women and Girls with Disabilities, chaired by Ms. Carmen Reyes-Zubiaga, President, WOWLEAP.

Ms. Zubiaga led the “Leadership Training for Women with Disabilities in Advocacy and Orientation on Gender and Development Programming at the Community Level” held at Bayview Hotel on November 23-24, 2011 attended by women and girls with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities and Focal Persons from various regions. The activity trained participants to lead advocacy initiatives and collaborations with partners in government and private sector towards empowerment of women and children with disabilities.

International Cooperation at Work! Undersecretary and �鶹��ý’s�� OIC/ED Alicia R. Bala , Global Cancer Ambassador and New Vois Association of the Philippines President Emer Rojas and wife Volet�� cheer the first ride of new and lucky power wheelchair owner�� Carla dela Cruz, another highlight of the December 2, 2011 “Asia Pacific’s Walk for the Rights of PWDs”.�� Carla, an AFS-YES scholar and a cum laude graduate of Trinity University of Asia, BS Education major in SPED, looks forward to using her power cruiser in her future teaching career.

Mr.Chang Hyun Choi, Bright Future President, receives the �鶹��ý’s Certificate of Appreciation, with Daegu University Professor, College of Rehab Science Professor Dr. Dal Yob Lee.

Other Korean team members who joined the ‘Walk’�� aside from Dr. Lee and Mr. Choi were Prof. Yong-gil Jo of Gosin University Dept. of Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Jin Woo Lee, Branch Chair, Association of Disabled People’s Rights Support, Bright Tomorrow Director Kyung Ja Lee and Good Job Center for Independent Living Assistant Kwanghee Choi.

The Korean delegates took the opportunity to join the “2^nd Asia Pacific CBR Congress” hosted by the country last November 29-30, 2011, and urged �鶹��ý to facilitate their exchange on rights issues on a regular basis, with their local counterpart people’s organizations and partners.