July 26, 2025
Tagum City, Davao del Norte — With music, talent, and a renewed commitment to inclusivity, Tagum City marked the culmination of the 47th National Disability Rights Week with a vibrant celebration that brought together Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from across the city.
Held on July 23, the PWD Officers Fellowship Night served as a platform not only to celebrate the achievements of the sector but also to amplify their voices and showcase their capabilities. The evening was filled with heartfelt tributes to the progress made by the PWD community and featured performances that highlighted their diverse talents — from singing to competitive performances in the much-anticipated “PWD Got Talent” showcase.
“This night is for you — for the victories you have achieved, and for the resilience you continue to show,” a local official said during the program, as the event turned into a moving testament to empowerment, visibility, and inclusion.
The celebration was a reflection of the city’s efforts under the administration of Mayor Rey T. Uy, who has consistently championed inclusive governance and social equity. His administration has made it a priority to strengthen support for vulnerable sectors, including the PWD community, ensuring that they are not left behind in Tagum’s progress.
As part of the weeklong celebration, the city also opened doors to digital livelihood opportunities for PWDs. On July 21, 25 selected participants — together with their parents or guardians — took part in the SPARK Technical Training: General Virtual Assistance 2.0, a 20-day program designed to equip them with skills relevant in today’s digital economy.
The initial five days of the training were conducted in person, where participants were introduced to the fundamentals of the virtual assistance industry. This will be followed by a 15-day extensive online campaign component to further hone their skills. The training is led by Ms. Immardelle Van M. Lasquite, ILCDB-SPARK focal, and Ms. Ria Limos, SPARK trainer.
The initiative was made possible through the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and the Local Government of Tagum. It aims to provide accessible, home-based livelihood for PWDs — a concrete response to the barriers they often face in traditional work environments.
As the city wrapped up the Disability Rights Week, the events served not just as a celebration, but as a declaration: that in Tagum, every citizen, regardless of ability, has a place, a voice, and a future.
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