The Dumaguete Diocesan Electoral Board yesterday said the launching today of the “Fully Abled Nation” program for persons with disabilities and their participation in the 2013 elections will encourage PWDs to exercise their right to suffrage.

Msgr. Julius Heruela, DEB convenor and rector of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Dumaguete, said he hopes that, with the launching of FAN, more PWDs will register themselves as voters.

The three-year FAN program on disability-inclusive development is spearheaded by the Asia Foundation with support from the Australian Agency for International Development.

It will be launched in partnership with Silliman University and in coordination with The Great Physician Rehabilitation Foundation Inc., Philippine Information Agency, Foundation for Communication Initiatives Inc., PWD leaders, Disabled People’s Organizations, the Commission on Elections, PPCRV, and other elections-focused nongovernment organizations to increase the awareness of the COMELEC and local government units of the needs of PWDS.

Heruela said it is important that all efforts must be taken to reach out to PWDs. He had earlier noted the low turnout of PWDs in the August 11 special day of registration.

He added that volunteers of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting have been tasked to seek out PWDs in their areas and encourage them to register and vote.

The DEB also includes PWDs in voters’ education seminars and related activities initiated by the diocese, Heruela said.*JFP

back to top