Fully Abled Nation Day in La Union set on Oct 18

By Monette H. Herrera

Tuesday 16th of October 2012

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Oct 16 (PIA) -- The Fully Abled Nation (Fan) Day will be launched on October 18 at Saint Louise College to promote and increase the participation of persons with disabilities (PWD) in the 2013 midterm elections.

FAN is a multi-sectoral initiative to encourage PWDs to register and vote for the coming elections.

It is led by the Asia Foundation with the support of Australian Agency for International Development, an Australian government’s overseas aid agency.

Some 80 to 100 participants from the media, PWD leaders, government offices and non-government organizations and civil society groups are expected to join the activity.

La Union Governor Manuel C. Ortega and San Fernando City Mayor Pablo C. Ortega are also expected to grace the program to urge PWDs to express their rights.

Asia Foundation Director for Programs Maribel Buenaobra will be presenting the background of Disability-Inclusive Elections Program to advocate said campaign.

A presentation of Fan Advocacy campaign materials-audio visual production and radio infomercials will take place that will be introduced by Emily Abrera, president of Foundation for Communication Initiatives Inc.

Disability inclusive programs and updates from the Commission on Elections, National Council on Disability Affairs as well as open forum or media conference will be undertaken during the day as an avenue for local issues to be discussed and addressed, the Asia Foundation said.

Among other areas covered by the program are Legaspi City in Albay, Cotabato City and ARMM, Davao City, Iloilo City and Dumaguete. (ANL/MHH-PIA1 La Union)