Gov to keynote FAN Day

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug 31 (PIA) -- Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo is expected to meet with persons with disability (PWD) leaders in Negros Oriental during the launching of Fully Abled Nation (FAN) Day on September 6 at 1 p.m. at Silliman University Hall. 

FAN is a multisectoral initiative to encourage PWDs to register and vote in the 2013 midterm elections. 

It aims to increase voter’s awareness among PWDs, promote institutional partnerships to enhance support for their participatory needs and strengthen the capabilities of disabled peoples’ organizations and NGOs supporting PWD advocacy. 

As keynote speaker and guest of honor, the governor is also expected to encourage the PWDs to stand for their rights and strengthen its welfare. 

In the guest list, invited presenters include: The Asia Foundation director for programs, Maribel Buenaobra; program officer Bernadette Cariaga of Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID); Foundation for Communication Initiatives managing director Criselle Capistrano; Commission on Election official and National Council on Disability Affairs executive director Carmen Zubiaga. 

About a hundred of PWD champions, NGOs, the academe, development work sector, international donor organizations, and key government agencies are expected to attend the event. 

The FAN campaign is part of a three-year “Disability-Inclusive Elections Program” led by The Asia Foundation with support from the AusAID. (RMN/JCT-PIA7, Negros Oriental)