City celebrates white cane week

BAGUIO CITY – the city government here spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) the celebration of the White Cane Safety Week.
Republic Act No. 6759 declares August 1 of each year as White Cane Safety Day to instil public awareness on the plight of the blind.
It also promotes the recognition and acceptance of the ‘White Cane’ as a symbol of the need of the blind for specific assistance and as a reminder of the individual’s duty to care for and accord due respect to his unfortunate brethren.
The program started with the parade of the different City Associations of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) from Upper Session Road to the Baguio Convention Center where the highlight of the program was held.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan who graced the event acknowledged the different organizations, colleges and universities and other entities helping persons with disabilities.
“Just like everyone, PWD’s are persons who should be given equal rights that should be protected and entitled to public services,” he said.
Domogan said, “ the city government has also included PWD’s in the bottoms-up budgeting and in fact one of its priorities.”
“There is a counter-part of the city government from the budget given by the national government specifically for livelihood training and other possible expertise where our PWD’s can excel,” he said.
“We also hope that the ordinance for our PWDs can be finished so we can create a division in the city government that will represent them that will continue to work with the OCSWADO so that we continue to sustain and improve their programs,” Domogan said.
“I am inspired that a lot of you have already been trained in livelihood and you are now providing for your family’s needs,” he said.
This year’s theme is “Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities toward inclusive Development”.