ASEAN training to enhance services for PDWs opens in Philippines

A three-day Southeast Asian regional training to improve services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) kicked off in the Philippines on Tuesday.

Secretary Corazon Soliman of the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development said that the Philippines fully supports an inclusive, barrier-free, and rights-based society for PWDs, and provision of auxiliary social services is a means of restoring their social functioning and participation in community affairs.

Auxiliary social services are supportive interventions that include the acquisition of mobility and assistive devices, assistance and provision of medical intervention on specialty services, and promotion of positive attitude towards PWDs.

During the event, ASEAN member countries will present their country papers on best practices focusing on the different auxiliary programs and services for PWDs, and advocacy strategies, Soliman said.

Participants in the training include social workers and professionals from government and recognized non-government agencies from Myanmar, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.