23 July 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Muscat successfully conducted a Disability Awareness Seminar on July 21 to commemorate the 36th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week which runs from July 17 to 23, and the 150th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini on July 23.

Resource speaker Ms. Sabah Al Bahlani, CEO of the Oman Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disability, discussed the brief background of their association, Oman's effort towards disability prevention and rehabilitation, and activities that will stimulate public awareness on all matters and issues involving persons with disabilities (PWDs). The seminar was attended by the faculty staff and teachers of the Philippine School Oman.

In his closing remarks, Philippine Consul Jose L. Garcia III emphasize the importance of this activity which aimed to promote and advocate the capabilities, skills and talents of PWDs as a means of improving their lives and economic status and to mainstream and include disability agenda in the programs of various government agencies and non-government organizations in order to fulfil their obligations as duty bearers to PWDs.

The special bookmarks designed and produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs to honor Mabini’s exceptional intellect and exemplary patriotism and public service were distributed to the participants of the seminar.

The Embassy also posted on its official website and Facebook page the banners regarding the events. The posting has reached more than 800 Filipino and expatriate Facebook users. To enable more Filipino, Omani and other expatriate clients to see and be reminded of its objectives, the above posting will remain on the Embassy’s website and Facebook page for the time being. END