ASP Joins Philippine Coalition on the UNCRPD

True to its commitment to advocate for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWD) and not just for persons with autism (PWA), ASP signified to become part of the Philippines Coalition on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

ASP was represented by its Executive Director Ranil Sorongon in the core group that met last May 20 and 21 at the Richville Hotel, Mandaluyong City. The meeting was the continuation of Training-Workshop on Monitoring the convention on the Rights of PWD sponsored by the International Disability Alliance (IDA) last February 24-27 at the Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City, Philippines.

ASP Executive Director Ranil Sorongon (in green) with other PWD Organizations

In the recent meeting, the group listened to the sharing of Mr. Lauro Purcil, the group’s lead convenor, Dr. Liza Martinez, Ms. Carmen Zubiaga and Ms. Celia Garcia about their experiences when they attended the CRPD Committee Hearing in Geneva, Switzerland last April sponsored by the International Disability Alliance.

The Geneva delegates also gave a lecture on

**** The Guideline for Parallel Reporting
**** Parallel Report Development
**** Framework of Philippine Parallel Report

After the lectures, Ms. Zubiaga facilitated the identification and formation of the different committees of the core group and how these committees will implement their respective tasks to ensure the submission of Philippine Parallel Report on UNCRPD.

ASP volunteered to join the Resource Mobilization Committee with Mr. Lauro Purcil, in charge of the consultation of stakeholders in Cluster 3 composed of Regions 6, 7 and 8 with Capt Oscar J. Taleon of AKAP Pinoy and also the Cluster of Parents of Children with Disabilities with Ms. Celia Garcia of the Parents Advocate of Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC). ASP will also spearhead undertakings towards the realization of the Rights of Children with Disabilities as provided for in Article 7 of the UNCRPD.

A third seminar-workshop will be conducted on July 12-14 that will tackle on how to gather data leading to the development of programs and projects to implement and monitor permanently the implementation of the UNCRPD. This activity will be participated by selected leaders and volunteers from the different regions of the country.

The group would like to thank IDA, Australian Aid and the Christopher Blinden Mission supporting the event. Together with the PWD Sector, we can make the UNCRPD Philippine Parallel report a reality.